Empowering commercial farmers to participate in feeding the nation has been a long-term endeavour of the Bahamas Government towards sustaining national development.
On Monday, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. V. Alfred Gray, toured Forrester Bowe's 19 acres of commercial farm land on New Providence, which he has been leasing from the Government. Gray said he wants to encourage Farmer Bowe to continue his good work, as well as expand his system to other islands.
Minister Gray said: "We are here today at the farm of Mr. Forrester Bowe, with some 19 acres on it. He's planting on it a variety of things like coconuts, Persian limes, guavas, cassavas, dillies, and sweet potatoes. I came here to encourage him and to see whether the visit could inspire other people to get involved.”
Gray added that there is no way to describe how important it is for everyone to get involved in agriculture and helping to feed themselves.
"We have 350,000 Bahamians, and if every Bahamian plants one tree, that's 350,000 trees. And if those trees begin to bear, that's 350,000 bearing trees. We would be able to at least get fruits and vegetables year round, everywhere," said Minister Gray. "And so, that's the concept and it starts with people like him. I'm seeking to be an inspiration to those seeking to farm because the Government will do whatever we are able to do to assist those who are willing to try."
Forrester Bowe described his endeavor as “general farming" which he said included livestock husbandry and growing coconuts, local fruits and vegetables. He endorsed Minister Gray's support for local farmers.
"He's a good ambassador for the farmers. He's always promoting the farmers and I appreciate that. The Minister is like 'Thomas' [John 20:24-29], where seeing is believing. He believes in production, not conversation. He comes to promote what I got. You got to be productive for him to listen to you," said farmer Bowe.
By Gena Gibbs - Bahamas Information Services
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