Downtown Nassau was transformed into a lively celebration of food, culture, and connection as Bites on Bay successfully returned on Saturday, February 7, drawing families, visitors, and food lovers together in the heart of the city. Powered by the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), the event reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for downtown revitalization and a platform forBahamian creativity to shine.

Held at the corner of Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue, Bites on Bay welcomed patrons to a high-energy, family-friendly experience featuring some of Nassau’s most popular food trucks, live entertainment, complimentary caricatures, and avibrant Junkanoo rush-out that brought authentic Bahamian culture directly to the streets.

At its core, Bites on Bay is about more than food, it is about meaningful cultural exchange and shared experiences between locals and visitors.

“The underlying purpose of the Bites on Bay experience and movement really is to bring our visitors and Bahamians alike into an encounter where we allow culture,through food, through music, through dance, to really come alive,” said Ian Ferguson, Executive Director & CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation. “In avery community-based way, it brings together our locals and our visitors, sharing the joys, the excitement, and the exuberance that is the Bahamian experience.”

Families were a strong presence throughout the day, reinforcing Bites on Bay’s positioning as an inclusive Saturday destination for all ages.

“I decided to bring the kids because I love taking them to cultural events,” said Keenya Farrington, attendee. “Anytime I can get them outdoors to enjoy food andculture, it’s a big plus for me.”

For vendors, the event provided both exposure and affirmation, connecting homegrown brands directly with the community and visitors exploring downtown.

“Showcasing my business at Bites on Bay feels powerful and grounding,” said Trevor Morley of Luxury Elixirs, one of the event’s participating vendors. “It’s anhonour to see people just stop by and support something that’s genuine, that’sborn right here.”

Bites on Bay is designed to scale into a food truck park experience held every other month, injecting consistent energy into Bay Street while creating real opportunities for Bahamian chefs, cooks, and food entrepreneurs to grow their audiences and businesses. The initiative forms part of TDC’s broader strategy to reimagine Downtown Nassau as a vibrant social, cultural, and culinary destination for both residents and visitors.

With strong community turnout, enthusiastic vendor participation, and anatmosphere rich in Bahamian pride, Bites on Bay continues to prove that when culture meets opportunity, downtown comes alive.

About the Tourism Development Corporation

The Tourism Development Corporation is dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism development in The Bahamas by empowering Bahamians, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and fostering innovative initiatives that strengthen local participation across the tourism sector.

 Downtown Nassau was transformed into a lively celebration of food, culture, and connection as Bites on Bay successfully returned on Saturday, February 7, drawing families, visitors, and food lovers together in the heart of the city. Powered by the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), the event reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for downtown revitalization and a platform for Bahamian creativity to shine. Held at the corner of Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue, Bites on Bay welcomed patrons to a high-energy, family-friendly experience featuring some of Nassau’s most popular food trucks, live entertainment, complimentary caricatures, and a vibrant Junkanoo rush-out that brought authentic Bahamian culture directly to the streets. At its core, Bites on Bay is about more than food, it is about meaningful cultural exchange and shared experiences between locals and visitors. “The underlying purpose of the Bites on Bay experience and movement really is to bring our visitors and Bahamians alike into an encounter where we allow culture, through food, through music, through dance, to really come alive,” said Ian Ferguson, Executive Director & CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation. “In a very community-based way, it brings together our locals and our visitors, sharing the joys, the excitement, and the exuberance that is the Bahamian experience.” Families were a strong presence throughout the day, reinforcing Bites on Bay’s positioning as an inclusive Saturday destination for all ages. “I decided to bring the kids because I love taking them to cultural events,” said Keenya Farrington, attendee. “Anytime I can get them outdoors to enjoy food and culture, it’s a big plus for me.” For vendors, the event provided both exposure and affirmation, connecting homegrown brands directly with the community and visitors exploring downtown. “Showcasing my business at Bites on Bay feels powerful and grounding,” said Trevor Morley of Luxury Elixirs, one of the event’s participating vendors. “It’s an honour to see people just stop by and support something that’s genuine, that’s born right here.” Bites on Bay is designed to scale into a food truck park experience held every other month, injecting consistent energy into Bay Street while creating real opportunities for Bahamian chefs, cooks, and food entrepreneurs to grow their audiences and businesses. The initiative forms part of TDC’s broader strategy to reimagine Downtown Nassau as a vibrant social, cultural, and culinary destination for both residents and visitors. With strong community turnout, enthusiastic vendor participation, and an atmosphere rich in Bahamian pride, Bites on Bay continues to prove that when culture meets opportunity, downtown comes alive. About the Tourism Development Corporation The Tourism Development Corporation is dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism development in The Bahamas by empowering Bahamians, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and fostering innovative initiatives that strengthen local participation across the tourism sector.

Day 3 of the Bahamas Young Chef National Culinary Competition was underway, Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Anatol Rodgers Secondary School and featured senior students representing 15 high schools around The Bahamas.  

The Competition proved to be stiff as student competitors showcased various entrees and desserts.  Towards the end of the day, judges and contestants received a visit from the Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin.  Witnessing the high intensity of competition, the minister encouraged the students to stay true to their culinary passion, and continue the high spirit of the competition that is showcasing their gifted talents and raising the bar for our Bahamian youth. 

Day 3 of the Bahamas Young Chef National Culinary Competition was underway, Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Anatol Rodgers Secondary School and featured senior students representing 15 high schools around The Bahamas.   The Competition proved to be stiff as student competitors showcased various entrees and desserts.  Towards the end of the day, judges and contestants received a visit from the Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin.  Witnessing the high intensity of competition, the minister encouraged the students to stay true to their culinary passion, and continue the high spirit of the competition that is showcasing their gifted talents and raising the bar for our Bahamian youth. 

A grand opening ceremony was held November 3, 2025 to officially open the new headquarters of the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) and to launch the nation’s first-ever mobile plant health laboratory.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell; State Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne; Consumer Protection Commission Chairman, Senator the Hon. Randy Rolle; Former Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling; Former Cabinet Minister, Daniel Johnson; Permanent Secretary, Neil Campbell; BAHFSA Chairman, Dr. Patricia Symonette; BAHFSA Executive Director, Monique Pindling; Undersecretary, Montez Williams; and other government officials, partners, and stakeholders.

Executive Director, Monique Pindling served as moderator, delivering welcome remarks and recognizing staff for their dedication and hard work.

Chairman, Dr. Patricia Symonette provided an overview of the agency’s development, describing the opening as the culmination of a journey to elevate BAHFSA’s role in protecting the nation’s health and agricultural economy.

Permanent Secretary, Neil Campbell also addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the country’s food supply before introducing the keynote speaker.

In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, described the occasion as “a defining moment in the advancement of agriculture, food safety, and public health in The Bahamas.”

“For too long, our systems for monitoring and protecting these critical sectors have worked in isolation,” Minister Campbell said. “With the establishment of BAHFSA, we take a bold step forward by unifying our efforts under one science-driven organization—dedicated to the health of our people, the vitality of our agriculture, and the reliability of our food supply chain.”

He emphasized that BAHFSA serves as a “vigilant guardian” of national food safety, coordinating activities across all stages of production—from manufacturing and distribution to animal and plant health.

“It will enforce sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, helping to shield our country from food contaminants, pests, and diseases that threaten public health,” he noted.

The Minister also unveiled the country’s first mobile plant health laboratory, a groundbreaking achievement for the region.

“This mobile plant laboratory—the first of its kind in the Caribbean—will revolutionize plant health diagnostics,” he said. “It brings essential testing directly to farmers, especially in the Family Islands, reducing response times for pest and disease identification and safeguarding vital crops such as pineapples and coconuts.”

The lab, he added, will enhance The Bahamas’ capacity to meet international phytosanitary standards, strengthen agricultural exports, and support nationwide biosecurity through early detection of invasive species.

Minister Campbell credited the achievement to extensive collaboration among government ministries, farmers, importers, and international partners, while emphasizing that this is only the beginning of BAHFSA’s evolution.

“In late 2026, BAHFSA will launch the country’s first Biosecurity Level 3 mobile veterinary laboratory. We envision this authority becoming a beacon of excellence—embracing innovation and cultivating the next generation of Bahamian scientists and inspectors,” he said.

The Minister concluded by commending the agency’s leadership and staff for their unwavering dedication:

“You are the frontline defenders of our nation’s health and prosperity—the stewards of an agency that touches the lives of every Bahamian. This authority belongs to the people of The Bahamas; it serves you, protects you, and represents our shared commitment to building a safer, healthier, and stronger nation.”

A grand opening ceremony was held November 3, 2025 to officially open the new headquarters of the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) and to launch the nation’s first-ever mobile plant health laboratory. Among those in attendance were Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell; State Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne; Consumer Protection Commission Chairman, Senator the Hon. Randy Rolle; Former Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling; Former Cabinet Minister, Daniel Johnson; Permanent Secretary, Neil Campbell; BAHFSA Chairman, Dr. Patricia Symonette; BAHFSA Executive Director, Monique Pindling; Undersecretary, Montez Williams; and other government officials, partners, and stakeholders. Executive Director, Monique Pindling served as moderator, delivering welcome remarks and recognizing staff for their dedication and hard work. Chairman, Dr. Patricia Symonette provided an overview of the agency’s development, describing the opening as the culmination of a journey to elevate BAHFSA’s role in protecting the nation’s health and agricultural economy. Permanent Secretary, Neil Campbell also addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the country’s food supply before introducing the keynote speaker. In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, described the occasion as “a defining moment in the advancement of agriculture, food safety, and public health in The Bahamas.” “For too long, our systems for monitoring and protecting these critical sectors have worked in isolation,” Minister Campbell said. “With the establishment of BAHFSA, we take a bold step forward by unifying our efforts under one science-driven organization—dedicated to the health of our people, the vitality of our agriculture, and the reliability of our food supply chain.” He emphasized that BAHFSA serves as a “vigilant guardian” of national food safety, coordinating activities across all stages of production—from manufacturing and distribution to animal and plant health. “It will enforce sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, helping to shield our country from food contaminants, pests, and diseases that threaten public health,” he noted. The Minister also unveiled the country’s first mobile plant health laboratory, a groundbreaking achievement for the region. “This mobile plant laboratory—the first of its kind in the Caribbean—will revolutionize plant health diagnostics,” he said. “It brings essential testing directly to farmers, especially in the Family Islands, reducing response times for pest and disease identification and safeguarding vital crops such as pineapples and coconuts.” The lab, he added, will enhance The Bahamas’ capacity to meet international phytosanitary standards, strengthen agricultural exports, and support nationwide biosecurity through early detection of invasive species. Minister Campbell credited the achievement to extensive collaboration among government ministries, farmers, importers, and international partners, while emphasizing that this is only the beginning of BAHFSA’s evolution. “In late 2026, BAHFSA will launch the country’s first Biosecurity Level 3 mobile veterinary laboratory. We envision this authority becoming a beacon of excellence—embracing innovation and cultivating the next generation of Bahamian scientists and inspectors,” he said. The Minister concluded by commending the agency’s leadership and staff for their unwavering dedication: “You are the frontline defenders of our nation’s health and prosperity—the stewards of an agency that touches the lives of every Bahamian. This authority belongs to the people of The Bahamas; it serves you, protects you, and represents our shared commitment to building a safer, healthier, and stronger nation.”

BAMSI Expands Egg Production Programme, Strengthens Market Reach

With a flock of 2,000 birds now producing up to 1,000 eggs per day, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is rapidly expanding its egg production programme, first launched in 2022.

“The expansion of BAMSI’s egg production programme shows the real progress we are making toward food security in The Bahamas,” said Executive Chairman Valentino Munroe.

“By increasing our flock and strengthening our systems, we are providing Andros’ grocery stores with a steady supply of fresh, affordable, locally produced eggs. This should translate into lower costs for Androsian consumers. This is about building confidence in what can be produced right here at home and ensuring that families have healthy options they can rely on.”

Munroe added that the programme is designed with long-term sustainability in mind. “We are also balancing accessibility with sustainability. By carefully managing costs, improving efficiency, and investing in infrastructure, BAMSI is ensuring that this programme remains viable over the long term.”

He noted that BAMSI’s egg production is also meant to inspire the wider sector. “Our priority is to test and demonstrate agricultural production, train our students, and share best practices with our farmers so that they can contribute to the end goal of stronger local food production. Every carton of BAMSI eggs represents this vision, along with consistent quality, dependable supply, and our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities.”

General Manager Deon Gibson highlighted how the poultry programme connects with BAMSI’s broader operations. “The poultry unit is the first step in the table egg supply chain, where production happens. From there, eggs transition to the Post Harvest Unit for washing and packaging, while the Sales & Marketing team identifies customers. Finally, eggs are moved through the Distribution Center or delivered across Andros as the last step in the agri-food system before reaching the consumer,” he explained.

Gibson said the team is also focused on production growth and market expansion as key indicators of success. “As more birds mature and production increases, our goal is to reach full coverage in Andros — we are currently at 40 per cent — with the capacity to expand sales into New Providence. We are also gathering consumer feedback and developing market analyses that can support Bahamian farmers in their own operations. These benchmarks will help measure both the growth of the programme and its impact across the sector.”

BAMSI’s Livestock and Pest Management Manager, Anthony Johnson, said the poultry unit continues to benefit from close monitoring and gradual adjustments as the flock matures. His team has worked to fine-tune operations and put systems in place to keep the unit stable as production grows.

“Maintaining optimal litter health was one of the initial obstacles, but we’ve developed effective strategies to handle it,” Johnson explained. “Temperature control is another factor that could become challenging as the flock grows, but we’re proactively addressing potential issues. Overall, things are running smoothly, thanks to consistent monitoring and adjustments.”

Johnson added that the programme offers important lessons for the wider farming community. “One of the most important lessons from BAMSI’s expansion is the need to adopt modern farming techniques to boost efficiency and sustainability. For small- and medium-scale farmers, it’s essential to incorporate technologies that help manage flock health, feed efficiency, and environmental conditions. Equally important is focusing on sustainability and continuous training, which give farmers the tools they need to remain competitive.”

In addition to operational fine-tuning, BAMSI has invested in feed efficiency and housing upgrades. The poultry unit consumes roughly 500 pounds of feed daily, and to offset costs and strengthen flock health, a multi-purpose grove with moringa, neem, and mulberry trees is being developed. Housing has also been reinforced with water-sealed roofs and protective curtains, helping to regulate airflow, safeguard against heavy rains, and stabilize laying performance.

With production expected to climb as lay rates rise to industry standards of 60–80 percent, BAMSI is on track to expand its weekly output well beyond the current 5,000 eggs. At optimal production, the flock is expected to produce some 9,000 eggs per week. Retail cartons are priced at $6.00, with cases at $135.00, delivering affordability for consumers while ensuring the programme’s sustainability..

To build on this momentum, BAMSI plans to strengthen vendor relationships through standing orders, expand consumer outreach with a targeted marketing campaign, and leverage its distribution network to introduce other locally grown products to the market.

BAMSI Expands Egg Production Programme, Strengthens Market Reach NORTH ANDROS, Bahamas — With a flock of 2,000 birds now producing up to 1,000 eggs per day, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is rapidly expanding its egg production programme, first launched in 2022. “The expansion of BAMSI’s egg production programme shows the real progress we are making toward food security in The Bahamas,” said Executive Chairman Valentino Munroe. “By increasing our flock and strengthening our systems, we are providing Andros’ grocery stores with a steady supply of fresh, affordable, locally produced eggs. This should translate into lower costs for Androsian consumers. This is about building confidence in what can be produced right here at home and ensuring that families have healthy options they can rely on.” Munroe added that the programme is designed with long-term sustainability in mind. “We are also balancing accessibility with sustainability. By carefully managing costs, improving efficiency, and investing in infrastructure, BAMSI is ensuring that this programme remains viable over the long term.” He noted that BAMSI’s egg production is also meant to inspire the wider sector. “Our priority is to test and demonstrate agricultural production, train our students, and share best practices with our farmers so that they can contribute to the end goal of stronger local food production. Every carton of BAMSI eggs represents this vision, along with consistent quality, dependable supply, and our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities.” General Manager Deon Gibson highlighted how the poultry programme connects with BAMSI’s broader operations. “The poultry unit is the first step in the table egg supply chain, where production happens. From there, eggs transition to the Post Harvest Unit for washing and packaging, while the Sales & Marketing team identifies customers. Finally, eggs are moved through the Distribution Center or delivered across Andros as the last step in the agri-food system before reaching the consumer,” he explained. Gibson said the team is also focused on production growth and market expansion as key indicators of success. “As more birds mature and production increases, our goal is to reach full coverage in Andros — we are currently at 40 per cent — with the capacity to expand sales into New Providence. We are also gathering consumer feedback and developing market analyses that can support Bahamian farmers in their own operations. These benchmarks will help measure both the growth of the programme and its impact across the sector.” BAMSI’s Livestock and Pest Management Manager, Anthony Johnson, said the poultry unit continues to benefit from close monitoring and gradual adjustments as the flock matures. His team has worked to fine-tune operations and put systems in place to keep the unit stable as production grows. “Maintaining optimal litter health was one of the initial obstacles, but we’ve developed effective strategies to handle it,” Johnson explained. “Temperature control is another factor that could become challenging as the flock grows, but we’re proactively addressing potential issues. Overall, things are running smoothly, thanks to consistent monitoring and adjustments.” Johnson added that the programme offers important lessons for the wider farming community. “One of the most important lessons from BAMSI’s expansion is the need to adopt modern farming techniques to boost efficiency and sustainability. For small- and medium-scale farmers, it’s essential to incorporate technologies that help manage flock health, feed efficiency, and environmental conditions. Equally important is focusing on sustainability and continuous training, which give farmers the tools they need to remain competitive.” In addition to operational fine-tuning, BAMSI has invested in feed efficiency and housing upgrades. The poultry unit consumes roughly 500 pounds of feed daily, and to offset costs and strengthen flock health, a multi-purpose grove with moringa, neem, and mulberry trees is being developed. Housing has also been reinforced with water-sealed roofs and protective curtains, helping to regulate airflow, safeguard against heavy rains, and stabilize laying performance. With production expected to climb as lay rates rise to industry standards of 60–80 percent, BAMSI is on track to expand its weekly output well beyond the current 5,000 eggs. At optimal production, the flock is expected to produce some 9,000 eggs per week. Retail cartons are priced at $6.00, with cases at $135.00, delivering affordability for consumers while ensuring the programme’s sustainability.. To build on this momentum, BAMSI plans to strengthen vendor relationships through standing orders, expand consumer outreach with a targeted marketing campaign, and leverage its distribution network to introduce other locally grown products to the market.