|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
BAIC opened its newly constructed executive offices and training centre located in the Soldier Road Industrial Park, on Friday, July 25. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the event. Pictured left to right: In forefront, Executive Chairman, BAIC, Hon. Arnold Forbes, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works & Urban Development, Hon. Philip E. Davis, Mrs. Annisa Forbes, Mrs. Bernadette Christie and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis. Pictured in the background are Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, Hon. V. Alfred Gray and Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay).
|
Nassau, The Bahamas - The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) has opened a 10,000 square foot facility to house executive offices and a training centre. The building, the only one of its kind in the country, will save the government over 40 percent in energy cost due to its use of solar energy. During the official opening ceremony held at its location in the Soldier Road Industrial Park, on Friday, July 25, Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said that the ‘occasion represented a great step in the accomplishment of the self-sufficiency ideal.
“I am particularly pleased, with its futuristic design and how that will affect the operation cost of running BAIC,” said Mr. Christie. “I am also very impressed with the level and quality of craftsmanship that was put into the building of this beautiful edifice and how the design was worked into our general philosophy of energy conservation.”
Mr. Christie made reference to the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), located in North Andros and said that BAIC will play an instrumental role in providing support to the institute.
“BAMSI is a huge investment in the future development of our country,” he said. “It is a true representation of the way forward for this country. But even in its infant stage, BAMSI impressively clarifies our vision for the future development of The Bahamas. BAIC will have a leading role to play in the success of BAMSI, given its mandate to stimulate, facilitate and encourage the development of agriculture in The Bahamas and for related purposes.”
Also in attendance was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, Hon. Philip E. Davis, who delivered brief remarks. Mr. Davis also spoke about BAMSI and the role of BAIC.
“The idea of food is no longer a distant dream, in fact, the time is very near when we will begin a very real way feed ourselves,” said Mr. Davis.
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, Hon. V. Alfred Gray, lauded the efforts of Executive Chairman of BAIC, Hon. Arnold Forbes. He called Mr. Forbes a ‘very able and energised Executive Chairman who accomplishments identify him as the ‘right’ person to head BAIC’s management team.
executing his plans for the Corporation and also the plans of the Government,” said Mr. Gray.
Executive Chairman, Hon. Arnold Forbes said that the new facility epitomises the government’s mandate of ‘self sufficiency.’
BAIC opened its newly constructed executive offices and training centre located in the Soldier Road Industrial Park, on Friday, July 25. A plaque was unveiled during the official ceremony. Pictured left to right: Executive Chairman, BAIC, Hon. Arnold Forbes, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, Hon. V. Alfred Gray, Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works & Urban Development, Hon. Philip E. Davis. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay).
|
“Our mantra from the beginning has been self sufficiency and we have not strayed away from this course,” said Mr. Forbes, “This move to our new headquarters is a demonstration of our sincerity to this ideal. We are proud to be the owners of the building, which now houses our headquarters. Our solar panels are producing a considerable amount of electricity and this will substantially reduce the cost of electricity BAIC consumes from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation. This is another aspect in which BAIC is a trail blazer.”
The new building features insulated walls and roof, impact resistant doors and windows with energy efficiency glazing, high efficiency climate control systems and utilisation of recycled and recyclable materials. Included in the building are sustainability systems such as the utilisation of solar powered lighting, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances and equipment, and products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (V.O.Cs).
The amenities of the building include: Handicap Accessibility, Audio Visual capabilities in meeting and training rooms, full integrated data and telecommunications access, burglary alarm system, fire alarm system, resource management technologies, irrigated landscaped areas and water conserving plumbing fixtures.
BAIC has been in existence for over 43 years and offers training, technical support and assistance to the country’s light industries. The Corporation is also responsible for the leasing of lands to the tenants of the Industrial parks at Soldier Road and at the Gladstone Road Industrial Park. Also, an important activity, in which BAIC engages, is in the area of the handicraft industry. The Handicraft Department has trained over 5,000 persons since 2000 and has established the Bahamas National Craft Association.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
