After a journey that started some 40 years ago, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation held a mortgage burning ceremony at the agency's headquarters on Old Trail Road, October 10, 2024.  Pictured in the Group Photo, from left: General Manager, Troy Sampson; Personal Assistant to Chairman/Secretary to the BAIC Board, Margaret Bain; Chairman, Senator the Hon. Darren Pickstock; and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell. 
(BIS Photos/Betty Vedrine)

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) said 'goodbye' to their mortgage during a 'burning ceremony' held at the agency's headquarters on Old Trail Road on Thursday, October 10, 2024.  The event, which was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell marks the end of a journey that started over 40 years ago.   Minister Campbell congratulated the leadership of the corporation for their dedication and hard work over the years and said that this was a 'red letter' day for the country.

"I am very proud to participate in this momentous occasion marking the completion of this mortgage," he said. "This has been a long journey and has involved the efforts of many over the past few decades. I wish to thank all of those persons, both past and present who have contributed to this coming into fruition."

Also delivering remarks was Chairman of the Corporation, Senator Darren Pickstock, who thanked all the previous chairmen of the agency, especially Arnold Forbes who was instrumental in the acquisition of the mortgage from Royal Bank.  He said that the burning of the mortgage was symbolic of the government's deeper commitment to ensuring food security in the country.

"After having invested over $20 million in BAIC, the government has proven its commitment to expanding agriculture in the country.  Today marks the completion of a journey that started at our office on East Bay Street to this building today," said the Senator.

The Senator also gave an overview of the most recent and current initiatives being undertaken at the agency, including projects targeted to expand the orange economy, which includes workshops for artisans and craftsmen.  He discussed ongoing projects and events including: Smell & Tell, Taste & Tell, straw craft, coconut shell and jewel production projects. 

The ceremony ended with the burning of the mortgage documents at the site.

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Jomo Campbell

Audience at BAIC's ceremony

Burning of the BAIC Mortgage Documents - Ceremony