|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Nicholl's Town, Andros - WITH year one successfully under its belt, The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is focused on a 2015 academic year where it will continue to build a cadre of trained professionals skilled in the areas of marine science and agriculture. Executive director of the Institute Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna said the Government’s mission to deepen the level of expertise in these fields is being realized as more students take advantage of the opportunity to pursue a degree programme.
“We have almost two dozen new students joining us this year and what we are particularly pleased about is the fact that they come from islands across the archipelago, Cat Island, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Great Harbour Cay and even as far away in the south as Crooked Island. As we continue to build our legacy, building a tradition of excellence, more Bahamians will view us as a first option in their pursuit of higher education,” she said.
BAMSIs orientation period proved to be an exciting, perhaps even challenging, one for new students who were caught up in a five day whirlwind from stimulating entrance exams to an adventurous tour of the North Andros community to the solace of a church service and a list of bustling movement and meetings in between. Returning students experienced a more relaxed pace, having been through similar sessions just one year ago. Happy to see familiar faces, although many kept in close contact over the summer, they were anxious to settle in to begin another semester.
Agriculture majors Cordena and Cordea Colebrooke, eighteen-year old twins from Red Bays, Andros, said they could not wait to come to BAMSI. As students of North Andros High the two participated in the school’s agriculture programme where they learned about the Institute. In fact it was their teacher, Rai Budhu, who encouraged them to apply.
“When I first heard about BAMSI I never really wanted to attend,” Cordea admits. “I wanted to go either to a university in the States or the University of the West Indies until my teacher told me about it and my dad said you all should go to BAMSI, and especially how I want to be a veterinarian, I’m like why not start here.”
Like many individuals when faced with a new experience the sisters had their own ideas about what a semester at BAMSI might look like. Cordena thought the entire focus would be on the practical aspects of agriculture. “I thought we were just going in the field. I didn’t know we were going to do all this school work until orientation and then when I actually came to class it changed – the work just opened my eyes in a good way because I am learning more. Some of the work I’m seeing for the first time and I am enjoying the experience.”
For Nicholl’s Town resident Vondenton Robinson, the choice to come to BAMSI after dealing with the stress of having to work and go to school at the same time was an easy one. “BAMSI was my first choice. I am interested in Marine Science and I thought this was a great option.” According to Vondenton, the first few weeks of class have underscored his choice – smaller, more personalized sessions which allow for greater access to lecturers is something he really likes, along with the fact that he is able to sit in classes which relate directly to his interest. “A lot of the information is relevant, like Introduction to Aquaculture. I’m very interested in that because to farm fish is a very good thing, it’s fascinating to me.”
Another major point in BAMSI’s favour is that he can achieve his degree while at home. “It’s easier for me because I’m home and I could focus on my classes. Balancing school and a job is hard…and without a car - so I am grateful for the experience.”
Returning student Ian Hepburn, who hails from West End, Grand Bahama, sees his place at BAMSI as a fundamental element to future career success. “It was refreshing coming back to Andros – feels like a vacation! Coming back to learn about something that you are really passionate about, I was anxious about it, anxious to be here.”
Fuelling his desire in part to soak up as much information as possible as he works to complete his degree is his intention to develop a business plan to support his entry into the entrepreneurial sector. “Over the summer I purchased a California skiff and I started a little fishing business. One thing I like about BAMSI they are preparing you to start your own business, and I did this over the summer as a trial run and it was pretty successful.”
Ian points to marine science lecturers Erin Cash and Cameron Lightbourne, and Alaasis Braynen, BAMSIs agribusiness lecturer, saying they were all equipped to guide him through the process. “I like the environment, the level of participation in class and the ability to interact with my peers. I am loving this semester!”
Nassau born and bred, Ethan Thompson is an agriculture major who is returning to BAMSI following a productive summer spent at the Bahamas Agriculture Industrial Corporation (BAIC). “I was eager to come back to my surprise. Considering me being from Nassau the island was never appealing to me until I got to see the potential that not only Andros, but BAMSI has to offer.”
For Ethan, BAMSI offers the chance to learn and be productive in a new environment. “I’m just soaking it all in as much as I can – the time is short. On the farm itself it’s good for me because I’ve never done that work. It’s good to learn the techniques, the technology, have a critical eye when looking at plants, the setup of the farm, ways to improve it, technologies that make it more productive,” he said.
Passionate about marine conservation, 18-year-old marine science student Nigel Sands who was born in Eleuthera, the island many consider to be the jewel of the Commonwealth, said BAMSI provides him with the opportunity to get out and do what he loves, which is conservation. “Being back in school is awesome. When I think about it I get a bubbling feeling inside – you’re learning to do what you love both in and out of the classroom. I would encourage all people, young and old to become a part of the programme or contribute towards it because we are a part of the future.”
With the arrival of all the students, the stage is set for the Institute’s first crop of expected graduates who are entering their final year of studies. For the BAMSI class of 2016 the ground work has already been laid for those who wish to continue in their chosen field. Earlier this summer BAMSI, led by the Institute’s President Godfrey Eneas and his executive team, formalized a memorandum of understanding between the Institute and China’s Ocean University. The agreement allows BAMSI students to attend the university as they continue their education to the bachelor’s or master’s degree level. The agreement is just one of a number of partnerships with international universities, including a partnership with the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
Along with the start of a brand new academic year, BAMSI has also moved its teaching facilities to the BARTARD Building located on the campus site along Queen’s Highway south, in North Andros. “We are thrilled to be in our own building, the BARTARD Building, which gives us ample space and a comfortable environment for students and staff,” Dr. Hanna noted. “The relocation also puts our students closer to the tutorial farm, which is an important area for them and where much of their learning, research and experiments take place. Our move also signals to the wider community of Andros and the entire Bahamas that BAMSI is taking measured steps to solidify its position as an important agent of change in the field of tertiary education in The Bahamas – we’re making an increasingly greater difference in the lives of Bahamians day by day.
“Ultimately, the Government has invested a huge amount of resources into establishing a gateway that will train and develop professionals to lead us into an age of food security and widespread sustainable practices in the agriculture industry. We are excited to be in a position where we are directly impacting the future of the nation and it’s a position that we do not take lightly,” Dr. Hanna said.
1. Dr. Joseph Lindsay (centre, in red shirt) and his Crop Production class. Seated from left are Sterling Symonette and Paul Major. Standing from left are Romeo Josey, Marina Newton, Dr. Lindsay and Sheri Horton. Back row from left are Shadrick Farrington and Montez Hopkins.
2. Between classes student take a break outside. Seated around the table from left Brittney Taylor (white), Paulamae White (in black), twins Cordea and Cordena Colebrook, Tristan Turnquest and Ryiesha McQueen. Seated to far right is Leonardo Curry.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
