BTC is on a mission to foster and promote healthier lifestyles for colleagues. In recognition of Earth Day, celebrated on April 21st, BTC teamed up with the Ministry of Agriculture to purchase 500 fruit and vegetable backyard farming kits, which were distributed to BTC colleagues on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Exuma and Andros. Kits were also distributed to Family Island schools with the goal of having students embrace farming and feeding themselves at an early age.  

The kits include pumpkin, beets, carrots, okra, lettuce, cucumber, watermelon and cantaloupe seeds, an irrigation system, seed trays, fertilizer, and enriched soil. The main thrust is to ensure that staff members adopt healthier lifestyles, realizing that the move could prolong life and prevent many illnesses. 

BTC’s CEO Sameer Bhatti and his family recently hosted an Easter Farmers Market, where colleagues were able to enjoy Eleuthera grown vegetables free of charge. The company is also set to kick off its Wellness Week, again to promote healthy lifestyles.

Schools that received backyard farming kits included: 

Eleuthera: Harbour Island All Age School, North Eleuthera High School, Harbour Island Green School, Central Eleuthera High School, Emily G. Petty Primary School, Emma E. Cooper Primary School and Nora Anderson Primary School. 

Long Island – North Long Island High School, Simms Primary School and NGM Major High School 

Abaco - Abaco Central Primary School

Kits were also given to Central and North Andros Administrators to distribute to residents interested in backyard farming.