The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has announced that its Fall 2020 semester will now be held fully online. The decision was prompted by the continuing impact of the Coronavirus and the growing number of new cases being experienced throughout the nation.

Stephen Turnquest, BAMIS’s Chairman of the Board said, “with the effects of the outbreak being felt more each day, we have determined that the Fall 2020 semester will be done 100 per cent online, in a virtual platform.”

After monitoring the situation very closely, it was abundantly clear that every precaution had to be taken to keep the BAMSI community safe, Mr. Turnquest said. “The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are a top priority, and our thoughts are with those impacted by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.”

The change to an e-learning system is part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks involved with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, Executive Director of BAMSI’s academic arm, assured parents, staff and students that BAMSI is working hard to support them in the midst of this rapidly evolving situation. “We ask that everyone remain flexible, adopting new norms, as the situation evolves and more information and direction from government officials and public health agencies become available.”

“Be assured that during this very fluid time, we remain committed to providing the highest quality education, preserving the integrity of our programs, while securing the health and safety of our students and employees,” Dr Hanna said.

With the change to online learning, the Institute also announced amendments to its academic calendar.

New Student Orientation will now begin Wednesday, August 19, Advisement and Registration starts Friday, August 21 and Classes begin August 31. For more information on the upcoming semester, persons are asked to visit the Institute’s website: www.bamsibahamas.edu.bs