Nassau, The Bahamas: Ambassador of The Bahamas to the Organization of American States (OAS) H.E. Sidney Collie, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Michael Pintard on Wednesday, 26^th May, 2021.

During the meeting, Ambassador Collie requested a briefing on food security and food insecurity in The Bahamas, coming out of COVID-19. He noted that it is a concern of OAS as it relates to Member States, as some countries are facing challenges in the wake of COVID-19.  He was particularly interested in the Ministry’s priorities with respect to feeding ourselves and the initiatives we pursued to date to address same.

He was also interested in knowing more about The Bahamas’ agricultural programmes and scholarships (i.e. financial grant) and a direction in which he may refer students who have been inquiring of same.

Minister Pintard advised that COVID-19 revealed the state of affairs more than anything. It revealed the GAPS along the value chain from pre-production to post harvest.  It highlighted the urgency with which we need as policy makers, farmers and fishers, private sector (investors) and the general public to invest in food security and food sovereignty.  In this regard, we have been building capacity through training and establishing relations with international agencies to learn smart agricultural practices.

As it relates to COVID-19 response Minister Pintard advised that the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources:

• Contributed close to $1m in land clearing for farmers
• Brought in over twelve thousand  in layers birds, with the idea of being self-sufficient  in two to three years  in eggs production
• Approved projects for broiler meat production
• Brought in approximately 150 Hydroponic systems (for community gardens, school agricultural programmes, commercial farmers and backyard farmers)
• Distributed approximately 15 thousand backyard kits
• Established relationship with farmers, hotels, wholesalers and  food stores 

With respect to COVID-19 impact on the marine side, Minister noted that they were affected, however, that sector is a bit more organized and was able to respond more effectively.

Ambassador Collie was most appreciative of the meeting with the Minister and the information received to support his mission as The Bahamas’ Ambassador to the Organization of American States. 

Both sides shared respect and realized the potential that this collaboration holds for both organizations. Minister Pintard presented gifts to the Ambassador, inclusive of the Ministry’s popular backyard garden kit.