NASSAU, The Bahamas --  Two trees - Mahogany (Surietemi Mahogani) and Jambolan Plum (Syzgium cumini), were planted at Montagu Park on Thursday to commemorate the first annual International Day of Plant Health, a United Nations initiative. The event was held under the theme “Protecting Plants, Protecting Life.”

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting joined officials of the Forestry Unit, Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA), Ministry of the Environment & Natural Resources, the Bahamas National Trust, Department of Local Government and the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority to mark the occasion.

As 85 percent of the world’s food is derived from plants, plant health is vital to humanity. Unfortunately, pests such as insects account for over 40 percent of crop loss, thereby affecting food security. Consequently, achieving optimal plant health is an objective that governments worldwide are focused on meeting.

To this end, Minister Sweeting said The Bahamas is intent on creating awareness and encouraging more people to invest in assisting the country in its goal of achieving food security. Simultaneous planting events were held throughout the Family Islands with Administrators planting the trees on all of the major islands.  Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Leonardo Lightbourne joined officials in North Andros to celebrate the occasion on that island.

Pictured: Minister Sweeting and Chairperson, BAHFSA, Dr. Patti Symonette planting the Mahogany tree.  (BIS photo/Mark Ford)

Group photo:

L-R: Dr. Patricia Johnson, Director of Food Safety & Security; David Barry, Executive Manager, Public Parks & Beaches Authority; Yasmin Johnson, Director, Plant Protection; Dr. Patti Symonette, Chairman, BAHFSA; Bridget Hepburn, Undersecretary, Ministry of Agriculture; Minister Sweeting; Monique Pindling, Executive Director, BAHFSA; Gregory Bethel, Director, Marine Resources; Dr. Ezra Bartholomew, Plant Health Inspections Coordinator; Christopher Worrell, Director, Technology, Advancement & Development, BAHFSA and Kimberley Trowers, Inspections Coordinator, Food, Safety & Quality, BAHFSA.  (BIS Photo/Mark Ford).