Nassau, Bahamas - Mr. Sebastian Bastian, non-resident ambassador designate to South Africa paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Michael C. Pintard, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, on Monday June 21^st, 2021.

During the meeting Minister Pintard appraised the Ambassador of initiatives where the Ministry could develop a bilateral relationship with the Republic of  South Africa and then of course seek  support on any  initiative where South Africa can assist us.  The Bahamas is party with several multilateral organization including (FAO), United Nations (UN) and the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States, World Trade Organization (WTO) in relations to marine resources and agriculture.

Minister Pintard advised that The Bahamas could be assisted in the following areas:

• Fishing technology and training exchanges  development  in the expansion of our deep water fishing
• Development of value added product in our marine products such as conch fritter batter mix and conch chowder, pelagic fish etc.
• The development of an Aquaculture and Mari-culture system.
• Harvest control - an annual system of marine export not exceeding $5 million dollars which safeguards our fishing industry.
• The development of an orchid industry in The Bahamas - as there is great opportunity and potential.
• Export of the conch industry – As of January 2022, The Bahamas will discontinue the export of conch meat. This policy position is mandated by the government to preserve our conch industry.  
• Research and international funding for marine species that have export potential due to The Bahamas archipelagic environment.
• Development of a Greenhouse technology with private partners and other international countries eg. Brazil, Mexico and China
• Technical assistance in extension services in the management of food processing, poultry industry and other agriculture initiatives.

Minister Pintard expressed his commitment to the government’s vision of food security and food sovereignty for the country and his desire for collaboration between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

Ambassador Sebastian articulated his views and willingness to share knowledge and expertise in agriculture and fisheries between the Republic of South Africa and The Bahamas on a broad range of matters. Minister Pintard thanked Ambassador Sebastian for the interest and expressed optimism with respect to working on agricultural and fishing initiatives.

Both sides shared respect and realized the potential that such collaboration holds for both nations. Minister Pintard presented a gift to the Ambassador as a symbol of this cooperation.