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News : International Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


BAMSI Graduates Look to a Global Experience
By BAMSI Bahamas
Oct 26, 2016 - 1:07:09 PM

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Gimel-received-the-Prime-Minister_s-Award-for-Overall-Academic-Achievement-and-Excellence_.jpg
Gimel received the Prime Minister's Award for Overall Academic Achievement and Excellence

The top graduating student in the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) aquaculture associate degree programme Gimel Morley has been awarded a Chinese Government Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in aquaculture. She is currently attending Ningbo University in the Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.

Ms. Morley, who received numerous awards during the Institute’s inaugural summer commencement exercise including the Prime Minister’s Award for Overall Academic Achievement and Excellence, initially discovered the science of aquaculture during her first semester at BAMSI. Enrolled as a marine science student she quickly realised this subfield of agriculture was more in line with her vision for her future.

“In the beginning I didn’t realise there was a difference between marine science and the aquaculture programme, but as the semester went on I noticed I wanted to do the aquaculture, I was more into growing things instead of studying the scientific aspect of marine life,” she said.

With the support of a number of talented lecturers, Erin Cash-Povey, Cameron Lightbourne and Dr. Vallierre Deleveaux who heads BAMSI’s marine and aquatic sciences division - Ms. Morley excelled in the area and emerged as a front runner and class leader.

“The course work with interesting. I got to spend more time on the farm and I also had the option of doing some practical work that the marine students did; fish health, fish nutrition and pond tank management,” she said.

As she looks back over her two-year stint in the heart of North Andros, Ms. Morley admits that there is no experience in the world like the BAMSI experience. “It’s a way to get a feel for college and even if students don’t like it there they will know what going to an institute of higher education feels like.”

Gimel-was-the-recipient-of-numerous-awards---including-the-BTC-Honours-Award_.jpg
Gimel was the recipient of numerous awards including the BTC Honours Award

For her, there are absolutely no regrets – BAMSI opened up the world of agriculture for Ms Morley and exposed her to the wonders of the natural world around her. “Getting to see Andros which I probably never would have done if I hadn’t come to BAMSI and being involved with the Bahamas National Trust.”

And what of her future? After successful completion of her studies in China Ms Morley expects to return to BAMSI. “I want to give back from what I’ve learnt. I’m looking forward to designing programmes for the marine students and assisting in a number of environmental projects in Andros.”

Ms. Morley, who also has a bachelor of science degree in biology, encouraged new students to the Institute to work hard, stay focused on their studies and not allow themselves to become distracted. “Be selfish and put yourself first with your studies. There’s a time for playing, but you really need to put in the hard work if you want to succeed.”

Along with Ms Morley, BAMSI’s first graduating class is filled with success stories. Some 15 members of the graduating class were absorbed into BAMSI following a two-week intensive training session in extension and outreach practices. They now work as assistant extension officers for the Institute and have been placed in a number of islands – Eleuthera, Long Island, Andros and New Providence.

Another outstanding graduate and recipient of the Eneas Agricultural Policy Award Romeo Josey will be following in Ms Morley’s footsteps and is set to further his education at South Dakota State University in January. Mr Josey plans to study resource management and forestry business. “I see myself owning a logging company, not so much large scale lumber, but more furniture and custom made cabinets and not just pine trees, but mahogany, horseflesh and lignum vitae.”

Mr Josey describes his BAMSI experience as one that was absolutely needed because it has prepared him for a more rigorous academic experience as he looks to purse studies leading to master’s degree. It also helped him discover more about himself. “The challenges that I faced academically and socially, in terms of living with person who are not like-minded to some degree, helped me to find myself and broaden my horizons on how I see not only people, but college life in general.”

Among the high points of his school career, Mr Josey said, was achieving a 3.79 GPA during his first semester, a visit by officials from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the opportunity to address a town meeting in Nassau on climate change.

“The BAMSI experience is hard to compare. It showed me what life with a degree would be like.”

Romeo-Josey.jpg
Romeo Josey

And what advice would he give new students coming in? “Come and do what you came to do. Don’t get hung up on friends, don’t get hung up on the work load or whatever situation is at hand. Your main goal is to succeed in your academic endeavours, and take advantage of every opportunity available because opportunities can lead to long term achievement.

“My advice to students considering BAMSI, it’s a great opportunity in your own backyard because it brings the world to you. Instead of you having to go out there to get exposure, the exposure comes to you through the Institute.”

****Registration for BAMSI’s online courses and the 2017 Spring Semester are currently open. Interested persons should contact the school in North Andros at 329.1700. In New Providence, contact BAMSI’s main office at 397.6580 or visit us in the Levy Building, East Bay Street. Family Island residents should contact their Island Administrator’s Office for application forms and more information.



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