The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) took a significant step towards enhancing agricultural education and support in the Family Islands with the grand opening of its Extension Office in Kemp's Bay, South Andros on Friday. BAMSI Executive Chairman Senator, the Hon. Tyrel Young, expressed his optimism for the impact this new facility will have on the local farming community and the broader agricultural landscape.

"Our hope is that this Extension Office will grow to symbolize BAMSI's commitment to the growth and prosperity of our Family Island communities," stated Mr. Young during the inauguration ceremony. "We recognize and support the hard work of the farming community here, and our goal is to empower Bahamian farmers to develop their entrepreneurial ventures, implement best farming practices, and ultimately build a sustainable industry. Today, we strengthen our commitment to support and empower our agricultural community."

Mr. Young emphasized that agriculture is not just an economic sector but a way of life that connects Bahamians to their roots, traditions, and identity as a people. The BAMSI Extension Office will serve as a knowledge and innovation hub, bridging the gap between local farmers and the resources they need to thrive. Experts from BAMSI will collaborate closely with farmers, sharing best practices, providing access to the latest research, and addressing the unique challenges faced by the agricultural community.

Also on hand for the opening was the Hon. Leon Lundy, Member of Parliament for Mangrove Cay and South Andros, members of BAMSI’s board of directors including well known environmental activist Pericles Maillis and Ms. Patrice Green, an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education. Winner of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Prime Minister’s Female Youth Farmer of the Year Agrarian Award Frederica Dames was also on hand. Ms. Dames, the Valedictorian of BAMSI Class of 2021, played an important role in planning the festivities surrounding the opening.

South Andros, known for its diverse agricultural and marine opportunities, from traditional crops to flats fishing and sponging, stands to benefit significantly from BAMSI's presence. Mr Young outlined BAMSI's vision for the community, stating, "Our goal is to create a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of climate change and market fluctuations. We will invest in infrastructure, provide access to modern technology, and promote responsible land management to ensure that South Andros develops into a beacon of agricultural excellence."

Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, President of BAMSI, emphasized the Institute's commitment to food security and sovereignty, capacity building, and creating opportunities for economic growth through educational empowerment. She underscored BAMSI's role as the premier tertiary institute for agriculture and marine sciences, both nationally and internationally.

"As the premier tertiary institution for agriculture and marine sciences and related disciplines in this country and beyond, the Institute has definitely answered the clarion call to provide relevant technical education and training in these fields," Dr. Roberts-Hanna said. "Our degrees and programmes are registered and approved by NAECOB (National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas) and are internationally recognized and accepted. Our credits transfer. We are also an approved City and Guilds center and SAT testing center."

Dr. Roberts-Hanna highlighted BAMSI's initiatives, increased national presence, international partnerships, and capacity-building efforts through training and educational programs. She also praised the institute's ability to reduce the country's food import bill, inspire others to join the discipline, and provide an affordable, nutritious, and sustainable food supply.

BAMSI’s Extension Office in South Andros is set to become a vital resource for the local community. Dr. Roberts-Hanna expressed confidence in the dedicated staff and their ability to make a positive impact. She also pointed to Ms. Dames as an example of the Institute's success stories.

According to Mr. Lundy, the opening of BAMSI’s Extension Office in South Andros was significant because it represents the community’s collective dedication to nurturing local talent, preserving natural resources, and creating a sustainable future. “It signifies our belief in the potential of our community members to be the driving force behind the growth and prosperity of South Andros. With the doors of this office officially open, we encourage each and every one of you to step inside, to explore the educational pathways that BAMSI offers, to seek guidance and support, and to envision a future where the fields of agriculture and marine sciences flourish in our beloved South Andros.

Mr. Lundy encouraged community members to remember that education is the cornerstone of progress. “The knowledge gained here,” he said, “will not only empower individuals but will also contribute to the overall development of our community. It is through education that we can harness the full potential of our land and sea, ensuring that they continue to sustain us for generations to come.”

The launch of the BAMSI Extension Office in South Andros marks a significant milestone in BAMSI's mission to empower Bahamian agriculture and promote sustainable practices, with a focus on the Family Islands. The office is expected to become a beacon of support and education for local farmers and the broader community.

The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) took a significant step towards enhancing agricultural education and support in the Family Islands with the grand opening of its Extension Office in Kemp's Bay, South Andros on Friday. BAMSI Executive Chairman Senator, the Hon. Tyrel Young, expressed his optimism for the impact this new facility will have on the local farming community and the broader agricultural landscape. "Our hope is that this Extension Office will grow to symbolize BAMSI's commitment to the growth and prosperity of our Family Island communities," stated Mr. Young during the inauguration ceremony. "We recognize and support the hard work of the farming community here, and our goal is to empower Bahamian farmers to develop their entrepreneurial ventures, implement best farming practices, and ultimately build a sustainable industry. Today, we strengthen our commitment to support and empower our agricultural community." Mr. Young emphasized that agriculture is not just an economic sector but a way of life that connects Bahamians to their roots, traditions, and identity as a people. The BAMSI Extension Office will serve as a knowledge and innovation hub, bridging the gap between local farmers and the resources they need to thrive. Experts from BAMSI will collaborate closely with farmers, sharing best practices, providing access to the latest research, and addressing the unique challenges faced by the agricultural community. Also on hand for the opening was the Hon. Leon Lundy, Member of Parliament for Mangrove Cay and South Andros, members of BAMSI’s board of directors including well known environmental activist Pericles Maillis and Ms. Patrice Green, an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education. Winner of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Prime Minister’s Female Youth Farmer of the Year Agrarian Award Frederica Dames was also on hand. Ms. Dames, the Valedictorian of BAMSI Class of 2021, played an important role in planning the festivities surrounding the opening. South Andros, known for its diverse agricultural and marine opportunities, from traditional crops to flats fishing and sponging, stands to benefit significantly from BAMSI's presence. Mr Young outlined BAMSI's vision for the community, stating, "Our goal is to create a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of climate change and market fluctuations. We will invest in infrastructure, provide access to modern technology, and promote responsible land management to ensure that South Andros develops into a beacon of agricultural excellence." Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, President of BAMSI, emphasized the Institute's commitment to food security and sovereignty, capacity building, and creating opportunities for economic growth through educational empowerment. She underscored BAMSI's role as the premier tertiary institute for agriculture and marine sciences, both nationally and internationally. "As the premier tertiary institution for agriculture and marine sciences and related disciplines in this country and beyond, the Institute has definitely answered the clarion call to provide relevant technical education and training in these fields," Dr. Roberts-Hanna said. "Our degrees and programmes are registered and approved by NAECOB (National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas) and are internationally recognized and accepted. Our credits transfer. We are also an approved City and Guilds center and SAT testing center." Dr. Roberts-Hanna highlighted BAMSI's initiatives, increased national presence, international partnerships, and capacity-building efforts through training and educational programs. She also praised the institute's ability to reduce the country's food import bill, inspire others to join the discipline, and provide an affordable, nutritious, and sustainable food supply. BAMSI’s Extension Office in South Andros is set to become a vital resource for the local community. Dr. Roberts-Hanna expressed confidence in the dedicated staff and their ability to make a positive impact. She also pointed to Ms. Dames as an example of the Institute's success stories. According to Mr. Lundy, the opening of BAMSI’s Extension Office in South Andros was significant because it represents the community’s collective dedication to nurturing local talent, preserving natural resources, and creating a sustainable future. “It signifies our belief in the potential of our community members to be the driving force behind the growth and prosperity of South Andros. With the doors of this office officially open, we encourage each and every one of you to step inside, to explore the educational pathways that BAMSI offers, to seek guidance and support, and to envision a future where the fields of agriculture and marine sciences flourish in our beloved South Andros. Mr. Lundy encouraged community members to remember that education is the cornerstone of progress. “The knowledge gained here,” he said, “will not only empower individuals but will also contribute to the overall development of our community. It is through education that we can harness the full potential of our land and sea, ensuring that they continue to sustain us for generations to come.” The launch of the BAMSI Extension Office in South Andros marks a significant milestone in BAMSI's mission to empower Bahamian agriculture and promote sustainable practices, with a focus on the Family Islands. The office is expected to become a beacon of support and education for local farmers and the broader community.

 

Delegates from throughout the Caribbean were treated to a tour and beach day at Mallis Farm on National Heroes Day Holiday, October 9, 2023 to kick off 'Caribbean Week of Agriculture,' taking place this week at SuperClubs Breezes. 

Along with Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources officials, the delegates also toured a number of farms in New Providence including Blue Field Farms; Down to Earth Adventure Farms and Lucayan Farms.  

The Downtown Revitalization Project, an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation in Partnership with key Government agencies will, this week, begin undertaking the initial stage of works to bring some relief to the flooding issues of Downtown Nassau. The early phase of the works involves clearing debris from the main culverts to increase proper flow within the drainage system and is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Water & Sewage Corporation.

The Downtown Revitalization Project seeks to restore vitality and charm to the city of Nassau by increasing functionality, improving the city’s aesthetics and creating sustainable practices to enhance the overall downtown experience for visitors and residents alike.

A technical team along with The Ministry of Works has begun investigating the longstanding flooding issues and is in the preliminary stage of finding a permanent solution that would remedy extreme flooding in the Downtown area.

Senator Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation who leads the Downtown Revitalization Project, said, “Resolving the downtown flooding issue is a long-term goal, but we have identified some of the key areas where we’ve noticed a lot of blockages. We understand that this is a short-term fix, and it may give us temporary relief.”

The team will focus on Dowdeswell Street, School Lane, Victoria Street and East Bay Street to remediate the blockage issue to alleviate flooding downtown. The project will take over a month to complete.

Senator Rolle added, “Resolving the issue of flooding in the Downtown area over the long term requires substantial changes to the infrastructure and is a matter that we have to work closely with the experts to resolve. This matter will be addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and his ministerial colleague in Public Works for a permanent, long-term solution. But, in the interim, we’re happy that the works currently being undertaken should bring some small relief.”

Once the main culverts have been cleared, the downtown drainage system would undergo quarterly cleanings to help prevent severe flooding.

The Downtown Revitalization Project, an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation in Partnership with key Government agencies will, this week, begin undertaking the initial stage of works to bring some relief to the flooding issues of Downtown Nassau. The early phase of the works involves clearing debris from the main culverts to increase proper flow within the drainage system and is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Water & Sewage Corporation. The Downtown Revitalization Project seeks to restore vitality and charm to the city of Nassau by increasing functionality, improving the city’s aesthetics and creating sustainable practices to enhance the overall downtown experience for visitors and residents alike. A technical team along with The Ministry of Works has begun investigating the longstanding flooding issues and is in the preliminary stage of finding a permanent solution that would remedy extreme flooding in the Downtown area. Senator Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation who leads the Downtown Revitalization Project, said, “Resolving the downtown flooding issue is a long-term goal, but we have identified some of the key areas where we’ve noticed a lot of blockages. We understand that this is a short-term fix, and it may give us temporary relief.” The team will focus on Dowdeswell Street, School Lane, Victoria Street and East Bay Street to remediate the blockage issue to alleviate flooding downtown. The project will take over a month to complete. Senator Rolle added, “Resolving the issue of flooding in the Downtown area over the long term requires substantial changes to the infrastructure and is a matter that we have to work closely with the experts to resolve. This matter will be addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and his ministerial colleague in Public Works for a permanent, long-term solution. But, in the interim, we’re happy that the works currently being undertaken should bring some small relief.” Once the main culverts have been cleared, the downtown drainage system would undergo quarterly cleanings to help prevent severe flooding.

We often look forward to a change of seasons and warmer temperatures. But if you have diabetes, you may be especially sensitive to the hot weather of summer.

Extreme heat can affect your blood sugar control. If you use insulin or your blood sugars aren’t effectively controlled, you could be at higher risk during the summer months. Worsening blood sugar control is often the main concern, and depending on your level of activity, developing low blood sugars may also be a concern.

If you’ve had complications from diabetes that have damaged the nerves to sweat glands, you may be unable to sweat properly. This can become serious as outdoor temperatures rise, leading to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Extreme temperatures can also damage your medications and testing equipment, says Dr. Marwan Hamaty, endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. “I always remind my patients to take precautions to protect themselves and their supplies during both winter and summer.”  

He says it’s important to get a handle on your blood sugar control before you engage in summer fun. “If your blood sugars are mostly higher than 250 mg/dl, I recommend improving your blood sugar control before engaging in heavy physical activity — regardless of the climate and the temperature, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.”

Dr. Hamaty also advises that the extreme heat of summer affects blood sugar levels. How the heat affects your levels depends on what you’ve eaten, whether you’re well-hydrated and your activity level.

If the heat and your activity make you sweat a lot, you may become dehydrated, leading to a rise in glucose levels. “If you become dehydrated, your blood glucose levels will rise. This can lead to frequent urination, which then leads to further dehydration and even higher blood sugar levels — a kind of vicious cycle,” he says.

Things can become even worse if the treatment includes insulin: “Dehydration reduces blood supply to your skin and, therefore, the ability of your body to absorb the insulin you’ve injected is reduced,” he says.

Most types of insulin can tolerate temperatures up to 93-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing your supply to anything higher than this will make the medication quickly break down. Be careful and pay attention to any insulin you’re carrying with you in the heat.

While it’s fine to store insulin and glucagon in the refrigerator, hot temperatures (as well as freezing temperatures) will cause the medications to degrade, making them ineffective and unusable. High temperatures can have a negative effect on other medications and diabetes management supplies too. Don’t forget about the weather’s effect on things like test strips and monitoring devices. When the mercury begins to rise, these items can change in their effectiveness.

Physical activity usually causes blood sugar levels to decrease, reducing your need for insulin. The sudden addition of exercise may put you at an increased risk for low blood sugars.

Therefore, if you’re active in extreme heat, know that you’re at high risk for both low and high blood sugars. This means you should take extra precautions and monitor your sugar levels before exercising.

“I advise my patients to maintain warm skin and adjust insulin dosage prior to engaging in physical activity because insulin adjustment could vary significantly,” says Dr. Hamaty. “But don’t allow the heat to keep you indoors. It’s OK to participate in outdoor activities and enjoy all types of weather as long as you take a few precautions.”

Dr. Hamaty also suggests seeking input from your doctor regardless of the temperature before adding physical activity to your routine.

Follow these tips to help manage your diabetes while enjoying the outdoors:

1.      Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for everyone during physical activity, and it’s especially critical if you have diabetes.

2.      Avoid becoming dehydrated. Carry small bottles of water or low-calorie electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks in a backpack or on a belt while you’re hiking or playing sports.

3.      Adjust your insulin as needed. Ask your provider or diabetes educator how you should adjust your insulin (and sometimes eating extra carbohydrates) before exercising. Typically, your first few doctor’s visits focus on urgent issues, such as getting diabetes under control. Ask about how to adjust your insulin so you can prepare to be physically active.

4.      Test your blood sugar levels frequently. Since hot temperatures can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, it’s a good idea to test more often. That way, you can take appropriate and immediate action to keep your levels stable. You should continue frequent monitoring for several hours after you’re done with your workout or other activity. That’s because the effects of activities on blood sugars usually last for a longer period of time.

5.      Keep items to treat low blood sugar with you. This includes glucose tabs or glucose gel. If you’re at high risk for very low blood sugar (if you have frequent low blood sugar or had very low blood sugar previously), you should also have a glucagon kit available.

6.      Take some snacks with you. Some snacks can serve as a meal replacement while others help prevent low blood sugar. Discuss possible options with your dietitian.

7.      Protect your medication and supplies. Take proactive steps to protect your insulin, glucagon kit and other supplies before you head outdoors, regardless of the temperature. Consider a car cooler that plugs into a 12-volt car adapter to keep your supplies at the proper temperature. This will keep the temperature stable for some time. If you’re going away from your car for an extended period, you’ll need to take your supplies along with you. If you are on insulin pump, be sure to protect your insulin pump from high temperatures. Depending on the situation and how long your activity will be, you might simply need to monitor your glucose more often. In certain circumstances (if it’s extremely hot or you’re out for an extended amount of time) consider using a long-acting insulin temporarily along with meal insulin injection instead of an insulin pump.

8.      Avoid sunburn. You can get sunburned while skiing on the slopes or while hiking in the summer. Sunburn stresses your body and can raise blood sugar levels. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective eye gear.

9.      Finally, limit how much time you spend outside in extreme temperatures. “While I advise staying active during the peak winter or summer months, I also tell my patients to try to take advantage of outdoors activities when temperatures aren’t too extreme,” says Dr. Hamaty. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle in most any weather.

We often look forward to a change of seasons and warmer temperatures. But if you have diabetes, you may be especially sensitive to the hot weather of summer. Extreme heat can affect your blood sugar control. If you use insulin or your blood sugars aren’t effectively controlled, you could be at higher risk during the summer months. Worsening blood sugar control is often the main concern, and depending on your level of activity, developing low blood sugars may also be a concern. If you’ve had complications from diabetes that have damaged the nerves to sweat glands, you may be unable to sweat properly. This can become serious as outdoor temperatures rise, leading to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Extreme temperatures can also damage your medications and testing equipment, says Dr. Marwan Hamaty, endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. “I always remind my patients to take precautions to protect themselves and their supplies during both winter and summer.”   He says it’s important to get a handle on your blood sugar control before you engage in summer fun. “If your blood sugars are mostly higher than 250 mg/dl, I recommend improving your blood sugar control before engaging in heavy physical activity — regardless of the climate and the temperature, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.” Dr. Hamaty also advises that the extreme heat of summer affects blood sugar levels. How the heat affects your levels depends on what you’ve eaten, whether you’re well-hydrated and your activity level. If the heat and your activity make you sweat a lot, you may become dehydrated, leading to a rise in glucose levels. “If you become dehydrated, your blood glucose levels will rise. This can lead to frequent urination, which then leads to further dehydration and even higher blood sugar levels — a kind of vicious cycle,” he says. Things can become even worse if the treatment includes insulin: “Dehydration reduces blood supply to your skin and, therefore, the ability of your body to absorb the insulin you’ve injected is reduced,” he says. Most types of insulin can tolerate temperatures up to 93-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing your supply to anything higher than this will make the medication quickly break down. Be careful and pay attention to any insulin you’re carrying with you in the heat. While it’s fine to store insulin and glucagon in the refrigerator, hot temperatures (as well as freezing temperatures) will cause the medications to degrade, making them ineffective and unusable. High temperatures can have a negative effect on other medications and diabetes management supplies too. Don’t forget about the weather’s effect on things like test strips and monitoring devices. When the mercury begins to rise, these items can change in their effectiveness. Physical activity usually causes blood sugar levels to decrease, reducing your need for insulin. The sudden addition of exercise may put you at an increased risk for low blood sugars. Therefore, if you’re active in extreme heat, know that you’re at high risk for both low and high blood sugars. This means you should take extra precautions and monitor your sugar levels before exercising. “I advise my patients to maintain warm skin and adjust insulin dosage prior to engaging in physical activity because insulin adjustment could vary significantly,” says Dr. Hamaty. “But don’t allow the heat to keep you indoors. It’s OK to participate in outdoor activities and enjoy all types of weather as long as you take a few precautions.” Dr. Hamaty also suggests seeking input from your doctor regardless of the temperature before adding physical activity to your routine. Follow these tips to help manage your diabetes while enjoying the outdoors: 1.      Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for everyone during physical activity, and it’s especially critical if you have diabetes. 2.      Avoid becoming dehydrated. Carry small bottles of water or low-calorie electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks in a backpack or on a belt while you’re hiking or playing sports. 3.      Adjust your insulin as needed. Ask your provider or diabetes educator how you should adjust your insulin (and sometimes eating extra carbohydrates) before exercising. Typically, your first few doctor’s visits focus on urgent issues, such as getting diabetes under control. Ask about how to adjust your insulin so you can prepare to be physically active. 4.      Test your blood sugar levels frequently. Since hot temperatures can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, it’s a good idea to test more often. That way, you can take appropriate and immediate action to keep your levels stable. You should continue frequent monitoring for several hours after you’re done with your workout or other activity. That’s because the effects of activities on blood sugars usually last for a longer period of time. 5.      Keep items to treat low blood sugar with you. This includes glucose tabs or glucose gel. If you’re at high risk for very low blood sugar (if you have frequent low blood sugar or had very low blood sugar previously), you should also have a glucagon kit available. 6.      Take some snacks with you. Some snacks can serve as a meal replacement while others help prevent low blood sugar. Discuss possible options with your dietitian. 7.      Protect your medication and supplies. Take proactive steps to protect your insulin, glucagon kit and other supplies before you head outdoors, regardless of the temperature. Consider a car cooler that plugs into a 12-volt car adapter to keep your supplies at the proper temperature. This will keep the temperature stable for some time. If you’re going away from your car for an extended period, you’ll need to take your supplies along with you. If you are on insulin pump, be sure to protect your insulin pump from high temperatures. Depending on the situation and how long your activity will be, you might simply need to monitor your glucose more often. In certain circumstances (if it’s extremely hot or you’re out for an extended amount of time) consider using a long-acting insulin temporarily along with meal insulin injection instead of an insulin pump. 8.      Avoid sunburn. You can get sunburned while skiing on the slopes or while hiking in the summer. Sunburn stresses your body and can raise blood sugar levels. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective eye gear. 9.      Finally, limit how much time you spend outside in extreme temperatures. “While I advise staying active during the peak winter or summer months, I also tell my patients to try to take advantage of outdoors activities when temperatures aren’t too extreme,” says Dr. Hamaty. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle in most any weather.