MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

There can be no doubt as to the wonderful botanical benefits that have resulted from the activities of The Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation.  The positive impacts are both far reaching and profound.

The Government has decided to further encourage the development of the Agricultural Sector.  There can be no doubt that BAIC, as it is presently constituted, provides the best mechanism for doing the most good in the area of Agricultural promotion and production.  BAIC has been extending its activities not only in Nassau, but in particular, the Family Islands.  The Industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years, as a consequence.

We are now seeing a renewed interest in the Agricultural Sector throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas.  The establishment of commercial as well as subsistence farms in the country is growing at an unprecedented pace.

Much credit and praise must be given to the entire staff of the Corporation.  The improvement of the day to day operation at BAIC is to be commended.  The entire team works with enthusiastic professionalism.  Their dedication to our common goal has produced a rare level of proficiency.  The Corporation could not function without the efficient support given by the Staff.  Both the Administrative and Line Staff must be congratulated for a job well done.  I also wish to express my profound gratitude to the Board of Directors for their very valuable  assistance during the course of the last year.  The role they played must not be overlooked.  Their talent and expertise has been a valuable asset to the decisions made by the Corporation.

BAIC’s role in encouraging and supporting the Small Business Sector is expanding every year.  We hope to continue this trend.  The need to diversify our economy, create new avenues for employment and encourage the expansion of local business is evident everywhere.  The key to a successful future for The Bahamas lies in the development of our Agricultural Sector.

One of the key motivating factors driving is a desire to see The Bahamas reach the level of self sufficiency in the production of foods necessary for the healthy sustenance of The Bahamas.  This goal is not unrealistic.  With an ever increasing knowledge of farming techniques, we are realizing explosive potentials.  The possibilities seem truly endless.

I sincerely wish to thank the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.  Additionally, I wish to thank those persons and entities who have freely given from their depleted and sometimes scant resources to assist in the advancement of the development of the agricultural sector in The Bahamas.

Last but by no means least, I wish to thank the entire Bahamas for their cooperation and well wishes as we chart our forward course.

I hope and pray that this year will be another banner year for The Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation.  This will certainly be my goal and I trust that all avenues of cooperation and assistance will remain open to all persons and entities that fall under our sphere of influence.  This is certainly my and the Government’s intention.  We hope for the continued recovery of the economies of the world.  This is the desired condition for a flourishing Agricultural Community.