NASSAU, The Bahamas -- In keeping with its objective of helping the country to meet its goal of achieving food security, Chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Mr. Leroy Major made a major announcement on Valentines Day.

“It gives me great joy to officially launch our ‘Golden Opportunity ‘ campaign to assist Bahamian entrepreneurs with their dreams,” said Mr. Major.  “During the year of the country’s golden jubilee celebrations, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind Bahamians that they can look to BAIC for assistance in leasing land. We have land available in Abaco and Eleuthera where they can jumpstart a new business.”

He said that the government is aware of the challenges associated with finding ideal locations to begin certain types of businesses, therefore, help is on the way. 

“We have started advertisements to invite Bahamians to apply for these lands. We want to empower more Bahamians to seize and accelerate their economic opportunities. Whether you want to build an AirBnB or small boutique hotel; create a new authentically Bahamian product, or you want to help the country to strengthen its food security efforts; we have the land available to achieve your dreams. So if you are someone who wants to take your business to the next level, we urge you to call us or visit our website (www.baic.gov.bs), to learn more about how you can seize your golden opportunity.”

The campaign dubbed “The Golden Opportunity” is focused on Bahamians becoming empowered through leasing affordable land available in Abaco and Eleuthera.  BAIC oversees one of the largest portfolios of land in The Bahamas on Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence.  

Another mandate of the Corporation is to encourage Bahamians to help realize the goal of food security and food sustainability in the country by the year 2025 -- a goal of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO). 

As it relates to farming, the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs has identified 11 fruit and vegetable crops, which farmers are encouraged to grow. BAIC will also work along with farmers to identify specific crops and will assist in scheduling and management to ensure that they are producing Bahamian food staples that are in high demand.

Officials believe this type of initiative would positively impact the country’s ability to reduce the current annual imports bill, pegged at $1 billion.  The ‘Golden Opportunity’ ads began airing earlier this month on ZNS 104.5FM, Love 97FM, Guardian Radio and 100 Jamz.  BAIC is also launching its ‘Golden Opportunity’  social media platform campaign in order to reach 40,000 persons per month via Facebook and other platforms. They are hoping to attract to 40 application requests per month for land leases.