Cartwright: FNM Focused on Farming & Fisheries
Published: Wednesday June 6th, 2007
Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources the Hon. Larry Cartwright
2007/2008 Budget Communication by Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources, the Hon. Larry Cartwright
MINISTER CARTWRIGHT: Mr. Speaker; The Bahamas is a blessed place.
As I sat last week and listened to the Hon. Member for North Abaco, our leader and Prime Minister, present and elaborate on the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the fiscal year 2007-2008, I could only say “what a blessed country we have.”
The Minister of State for Finance, the honourable member for Marco City, yesterday, in opening this debate, gave an excellent overview of the Bahamian economy and how this FNM government will intelligently and prudently use the sums generated there-from for the benefit of Bahamians at large.
Mr. Speaker;
I am delighted to rise once again on behalf of the very special people of long island and ragged island to make my contribution to the debate currently in progress, on the 2007-2008 national budget.
Mr. Speaker;
My task today is two-fold as the representative of the people of those two lovely islands, and of the larger group of Bahamians who are involved in agriculture, fisheries and small businesses development.
My ministry’s portfolio includes responsibility for the departments of agriculture and marine resources and relations with the Bahamas agricultural and industrial corporation (BAIC).
The ministry of agriculture and marine resources strives to “enhance the ability of the farming and fishing sectors to fuel economic development so as to improve the quality of life by channelling human, financial and technical resources into areas where competitive advantage exists, while providing the enabling regulatory environment for the protection and preservation of our agricultural and marine resources for future generations.”
Mr. Speaker;
The worth of the farming and fishing sectors to our country’s growth and development, to our gross domestic product, has always been underestimated.
When we consider and quantify these sectors’ linkages to other sectors such as tourism, transportation, shipping, seafood processing, among others, their contribution would be higher than we could predict.
The food and agriculture organization (FAO) in a recent conference opined that the sectors in the Bahamas are attracting more of the country’s national budget each year.
This year the sectors have attracted $2,366,476 more than last year.
We are convinced that this increase in budget allocation is an indication of the government’s interest and recognition of the sectors as pillars of the economy.
Mr. Speaker;
In this 2007-2008 budget, some $20,881,800 has been allocated to the entire ministry of agriculture and marine resources.
The ministry of itself has been allocated $4,368,900;
The department of agriculture $7,934,439;
The department of marine resources $2,447,261;
And BAIC $1,500,000.
The ministry’s budget for capital works is $4,631,200.
Mr. Speaker;
Before I go too far, I am compelled to start this presentation by saying thanks.
Firstly, to almighty god, by whose spiritual grace we as a people, were able to go through yet another general election, unscathed, except maybe for minor injury to pride, in some cases.
We sometime, like to take credit as a people, for these miraculous happenings, but we should always recognize that the strong hand of god is ruling in our land.
To him be the glory.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker;
To the people of long island and ragged island for their confidence in me and for affording me the opportunity of representing them for a second term in this hallowed chamber.
This time, much more convincingly than in 2002.
And this gives me a tremendous sense of pride and humility, because service at this level is not an everyday occurrence and is truly an honourable endeavor.
You know, Mr. Speaker;
When I promised my constituents in 2002, that before I decide to join a party, I would consult with them, I was told that that was a silly thing to promise.
When I carried out my promise in December 2005 and January 2006 and held meetings at every polling station in my constituency, I was told that polls taken in that fashion have no bearing on what the eventual outcome will be.
I would just like to say today that the result of the poll in 2006 showed that just under 75% of the persons participating advised that I join the FNM.
In the 2007 elections almost 73% of those voting, voted for this member and the FNM under the leadership of the right honourable Hubert Alexander Ingraham.
I humbly accept the support and thank my people for it.
And Mr. Speaker; thirdly, I extend hearty thanks to the honourable member for North Abaco, who, as leader of this great little country of ours, saw fit to appoint me, the bare-foot boy from the little-known settlement of gray’s long island, he saw fit to appoint me, as a member of his cabinet team.
For this I am truly grateful.
With the good lord’s help and guidance, it is my intention to do my best to serve in this position with distinction and pride and to uphold the dignity of such a high calling.
As I confront head on, the challenges of the marine resources and the agricultural endeavors and opportunities of our people on and in the 100,000 square miles of sea and land, mingled with the business opportunities to be pursued and are being pursued within the archipelago, it is my prayer that in all that I do in my public service that I will never let this country and its people down.
Mr. Speaker; the Bahamas is in good hands. The Free National Movement government is one of trust.
The people believe that too. That’s why we’re over here on this side.
Because they know they can trust us. And we have come to restore that trust in government.
To deepen and strengthen our democracy. To guard and protect our national sovereignty.
To ensure domestic security and tranquillity and to improve the delivery of public services.
We are here because the people want a government who will guard, conserve and promote the Bahamian heritage.
Protect and conserve our natural environment and alleviate poverty.
Yes, we have been chosen as the government to make affordable health insurance available to all.
To improve the quality of education and to support healthy life styles and promote family life – yes, family life,
Mr. Speaker.
A family where the father is a man and the mother is a woman, the children are loved and cared for and the parents are respected.
We have been chosen by the people to bring better to the Bahamas by the restoration of trust in government.
I believe that when our term of office expires trust would have been restored and Bahamians could hold their heads high and be proud to be Bahamian once again.
Mr. Speaker;
May 2nd of this year would have rounded off five full years of service for me as the Member of Parliament for the two islands of Long Island and Ragged Island.
Because of my new calling they will not be able to see me as often as they are accustomed to, but they can be assured that, their needs, their well-being and their position on the various issues will be represented at all times.
Mr. Speaker;
In 1991, the boundaries commission decided that Long Island and Ragged Island would be linked together to form one constituency, taking them back into history.
This was the case many years ago. However, the administration of Ragged Island remained with Exuma up until this day.
During the last administration, this member sought the assistance of the then minister of local government to have the two islands linked under the same administration without success.
I want my people to know that the correct formula is now in place to get that matter ironed out and I look forward to having Long Island and Ragged Island under the same administrative umbrella in short order.
Mr. Speaker;
the records of this house would reflect that in November 2005, this member was promised that work on the channel, roads and dock in Ragged Island would have gone out to tender in the first quarter of 2006.
Ministers spoke about the project as if the work had begun.
Mr. Speaker;
Our new government of trust under the leadership of a man of trust, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham, I am sure, will see that the people of ragged island will get the relief that they have waited so long for.
And all those many foreign yachtsmen and women who had to stay away from that area for so long because of the lack of a proper anchorage will be happy.
The many Bahamian fishermen who fish the Great Bahama Bank will be happy to know they could find a refuge in the time of storm.
Mr. Speaker;
When the FNM government demitted office in 2002, plans were in place for the establishment of a reverse osmosis plant in Long Island.
The site had been identified and all the new government had to do was have it cleared and allow the company with whom the agreement was made to go ahead.
Pipes were already in the ground and once the water was turned on it could flow to the people’s homes.
In the early 70's the first pipes were laid in Deadman’s Cay.
It was not until the early 90's that the FNM government extended the pipes to turtle cove in the south and gray’s in the north as well as included the settlement of Simms in the water program providing water for the area from alligator bay to deals.
Since then there has been no extension.
This new government of trust, I am confident, will ensure that the family islands get potable drinking water at the earliest possible time, so that there will be no need for open wells and or catchments tanks.
The make-shift situation in ragged island where PVC pipes are lying exposed above the ground will be rectified.
While the former government saw to it that an RO plant was put in place, no provision was made for the water to get into the homes of the people.
They were left to bucket water from the tank at the administrators office to their homes.
Yes, the water was appreciated but since they were already used to water being piped into their homes, it has really been a challenge to return to toting water in buckets from a faucet quite a distance away.
Mr. Speaker;
The members for South Andros, Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador and Long Island and Ragged Island, spoke frequently in this house about the need for our family island constituents to know what goes on in this country by having access to cable television.
I am not sure whether the people of the first two constituencies I named ever got any help in that regard, but I can say for sure that cable television has not progressed one inch in long island since 2002.
It is non existent in ragged island and customers in Long Island complain daily about not having access to the community channel and others.
This is a matter that I feel certain this government must and will address right away and do what we can do to ensure that all Bahamians are afforded the privilege of seeing their native shows, watch the local news and their representatives as we speak here in parliament.
Mr. Speaker;
There are so many areas of concern in my constituency each of which could be classified as top priority. Thank god, we now have a caring government led by a prime minister who has a very special love for those of lesser means in the far flung islands.
This new government of trust will restore the main thoroughfare that was badly damaged by hurricane force winds and sea in September of 2004.
The docks in Simms and Salt Pond damaged during the same hurricane; the mail boat has not been able to access the Simms dock since 2004.
Revisit the need for subsidisized air service for remote islands such as ragged island. They are Bahamians too.
Mr. Speaker;
I have often-time spoke of the importance of airports and docks in the lives of our people.
These should be priorities of the first order for any government in an archipelagic nation such as the Bahamas.
The records of this house would reflect that Stella Maris airport was shut down early in 2006 and Bahamasair ceased service to north long island.
Government was able to purchase the run-way and since then it was repaved.
When the work to be done there was foreshadowed, the then minister, responsible for aviation mentioned work to be done simultaneously at Deadpan’s Cay, including repaving, enclosure, runway lighting and extension to the apron.
To date almost a year and half later, emergency runway lights only have been installed at Deadman’s Cay and at Duncan Town.
Bahamasair has not been able to access the strip at Stella Maris for almost 18 months bringing much hardship to residents in north long island.
The construction of a new apron without consideration for drainage has caused back up flooding as a result of the recent torrential rains.
Mr. Speaker;
I want to assure the people of north long island that this trusting government has already put the wheels in motion to “rescue the perishing” from the hardship they have undergone over the past several months as a result of the closure of this airport and the absence of Bahamas air.
The government of trust is here.
Mr. Speaker;
My list of very necessary needs for these two islands which were so badly neglected over the last 5 years can go on and on. Some of them costing the government little, but are meaningful to these people.
For example: A port of entry for the southern part of long island; the need for some form of economic activity south of Clarence Town; side road repairs and pot holes in the main road to name a few.
Mr. Speaker;
Before I move on to the areas of my portfolio as minister of agriculture and marine resources, I deem it my duty to make special comment about the self-help programs that are on-going in the island of Long Island.
I speak specifically about the construction of a community centre in millers to be used as a hurricane shelter when completed.
This building is currently up to its belt-course.
The senior citizens recreational centre and lodge being spearheaded by the ladies friendship club of long island.
This building already has its roof completed and workers are presently preparing for the installation of shutters.
Construction of a new classroom block at lower Deadman’s Cay Primary School by its PTA.
This building is at the belt-course level and upon completion of this phase, the ministry of education has promised to have the job completed for occupancy by September of this year.
This school campus was supposed to be extended since the amalgamation procedure in the late 90’s.
The extension of the police compound in SIMMs is up to the belt-course level also and should be completed over the summer months.
The current station at Simms is very small and for some unknown reason still has an asbestos roof.
ASP Lindy Knowles upon his arrival saw the need to address the problem and commenced the construction of the new extension which when completed will afford them the opportunity to change the roof on the old building.
This will add a degree of comfort to the officers who have had to work in such cramped conditions for so long.
Mr. Speaker;
Our family islands must be seen as a vital part of the development of out country. We have heard that we are running out of land in New Providence.
There is much land in our islands. Our people who are so accustomed to the life of the city will not readily agree to move to the islands just because land is there.
There must be meaningful employment, health facilities, utilities, communications, airports, docks, roads, schools and all the other amenities of the city in place.
There must be proper planning of settlements and zoning to avoid congestion and the improper mix of commercial and residential areas.
Manifesto 2007 has addressed these matters and I believe that since it is recorded there, we can count on it.
Over the next year, this country will be turned around so well in a positive way that all and sundry will be proud.
Mr. Speaker;
I now turn to the areas of my ministerial portfolio.
Mr. Speaker;
We live at a time when we can be cut off from the rest of the world quickly.
If our supply of food imports are disabled in any way, the tragic terrorist act of 9 -11 in 2000, is a good example of how serious this can be.
We, as we are today, may not fare to well for very long.
The globalization of the world’s economies and the liberalization of agricultural trade necessitates that our farmers become more competitive in the production and marketing of agricultural goods if they are to survive and realize increased earnings.
It is therefore critical that the basic economic elements that are necessary to support competitive market-driven.
Agricultural activities are in place for the production of food.
These include the introduction of modern methods of farming for those so minded and adequate land clearing and preparation of farm roads, in areas where farmland is not easily accessible.
As well as storage and handling techniques and facilities along with product presentation and marketing strategies.
In recognition of this, my ministry will, during the next fiscal period, give focused attention to:
The refurbishing of existing farm roads and the construction of new access farm roads in the various farming communities.
The completion of restorative work to the abattoir and the produce exchange building.
Extension services and the establishment, in close collaboration with farmers, of farm demonstration plots.
The introduction and development of artificial insemination techniques to enhance the improvement of livestock breeds at considerable saving to farmers when compared to the importation of live animals.
Re-establishing fully stocked mini-farm supply stores in the family island packing houses.
Encouraging farmers, especially in the family islands to concentrate largely on those crops that are best suited for their natural environmental and climate advantages and their level of infrastructure development.
The introduction of hazard insurance to ensure that both farmers and fishermen are afforded meaningful compensation in post disaster periods.
Mr. Speaker;
There are considerable variations in rainfall, ground water and soil depth and quality in our islands.
This suggests that not all islands are able to produce the same crops.
Packing, handling and shipping are also considered as special characteristics that can help to determine which crops are better suited for production for sale away from home.
My ministry will promote an island specific crop program.
A program that will seek to have our farmers in the islands grow those crops that are best suited for their natural environmental advantages and their level of infrastructure development.
Mr. Speaker:
The department of agriculture has been mandated to formulate strategies to promote agriculture as a rewarding career choice for young Bahamians.
To this end the Andros agricultural research demonstration and training unit will be used as the prototype for the young farmers’ initiative.
The new Andros agricultural research and demonstration unit (AARDU) is located in north Andros on two hundred (200) acres of the former agro andro vegetable operation in an effort to restore the capacity to conduct basic research and demonstration in crop and livestock within the vibrant agricultural community of north Andros.
A steering committee comprising the department of agriculture, the Bahamas agricultural and industrial corporation, the college of the Bahamas and the office of the prime minister was set up to provide guidance to the process.
Major areas of focus of the program shall include but in vegetables, root crops, citrus, tropical fruits, forages, swine, and small ruminants.
Working production units will be established for farmers demonstration purposes to permit visiting and students to view/participate in working models to experience actual growing conditions.
Mr. Speaker
My ministry is committed to ensuring our food security and is fully aware that farmers require our technical support to ensure that they benefit from this viable sector of our economy.
Our technical support to farmers is provided not only through the extension officers but through the various research and experiments conducted at the Gladstone road agricultural centre (GRAC).
There are various units at GRAC which provide
Technical support, improved farming methods and strains of animals, crops and feed to farmers.
The small ruminant unit of sheep and goats is 20. Divided into a nucleus herd and a production herd. Improved herd health management and greater focus on veterinary medical care has produced measurable results.
The unit has a current capacity to produce 180 and 330 improved sheep and goats, respectively on an annual basis to provide improved breeding stocks to farmers.
In this fiscal period efforts will be made, through artificial insemination strategies, to improve and increase the yield of small ruminants so that farmers in this sector may be better served.
The introduction of artificial insemination will reduce the cost of securing improved animal genetics the current cost of purchase registered individuals of improved breeds varies from $2,500 to $7,500 for small ruminants.
By contrast, the current estimate to produce improved stock by buying frozen semen and frozen embryos using artificial insemination and embryo implants are estimated at $300 to $1,000 each.
An additional benefit will be reduced risk of accidental importation of animal diseases when compared to the importation of live animals.
The department of agriculture will purchase the necessary supplies and anticipates the engagement of qualified technicians from the republic of Cuba to offer necessary hands-on training for technicians and resident veterinarians.
Mr. Speaker,
The national swine breeding centre (NSBC) continues to offer large numbers of feeder pigs and improved breeding stock to farmers on New Providence and the family islands.
The present capacity of the centre is 1,500 feeder pigs annually. It is anticipated that the centre will be expanded to double the current capacity to meet the increased demands from farmers.
Mr. Speaker
Other than the cost of the animal, one of the greatest costs to the production of animals for human consumption is the cost of feed.
The department of agriculture maintains a feed mill at GRAC. The feed mill produces special rations for swine and small ruminants.
The unit produced over 800 tons of feed for use of the national swine breeding centre and for sale to farmers in the livestock sector.
The feed is sold to farmers at a minimal price to cover the cost of production. The 800 tons produced has not been able to meet the demand of our farmers, which over the past ten 10 years has grown from 600 tons per year to over 1,600 tons per year.
In our commitment to provide the necessary support to farmers the capacity of the feed mill will be expanded to complement the expanded capacity of the national swine breeding centre, and increasing demands from small producers in New Providence and the family islands. Many family island producers are entirely dependant upon this product.
Mr. Speaker
My ministry will also seek to encourage the expansion of the range of crops produced in the Bahamas through the introduction/expansion of modern, non-traditional farming methods.
One such method is the use of green houses for the production of selected herbs, fruits and vegetables. The department of agriculture will import and offer for sale.
Small (15 feet by 48 feet) tunnel style green houses to small farmers.
These units will be used for seedling production as well as ornamentals and vegetable production. During this fiscal period it is anticipated that forty(40) Green houses will be imported to facilitate the production of salad greens and tomatoes for use in the eco-tourism ventures.
Mr. Speaker
My ministry is also aware that farmers, especially those on the family islands, require assistance in the grading, packaging and marketing of their produce. The produce exchange on Potters Cay serves, along with the packing houses, as the main depot for farmer’s produce from throughout the Bahamas. Over the years the normal wear and tear has taken their toll on these facilities.
Some packing houses have been renovated and others are in need of repairs.
Work is being completed at the facility in long island and recently begun at the mount Thompson packing house in Exuma.
During this fiscal period major upgrades and refurbishment of the units at north Andros, north and central Eleuthera will be conducted at a total estimated cost of $350,000.
The produce exchange at Potter’s Cay is also under renovation. The refurbishment will be conducted in stages to permit the facility to operate while the unit is being renovated.
The refurbishment will result in the reconstruction of the interior and exterior inclusive new office facilities, a new sales area, and new cool storage areas, new grading facilities, reception area, and improved management of both reception and shipping areas. The cost of refurbishment is estimated at $1.5 million
My Speaker,
Even though there have been insurmountable setbacks, there have been significant achievements in the crop programme:
I am pleased to announce that the new onion drying and storage facility has been completed in North Andros.
This facility was completed in time for the current onion harvest; this will permit the assisted drying and long term storage for onion farmers in north Andros.
Onion production has steadily increased from 2.8 million pounds in 2001 to an estimated 3 million projected in 2007 due to improved seed and better crop management.
Variety trials at the north Andros extension centre and at the Gladstone road research centre during 2006 have indicated that the harvest period can be expanded from January to June, effectively doubling the harvest period.
A modern drying facility was constructed in north Andros and grading and sizing equipment are expected within the next two months to support the development of this very promising crop.
The marketing of this important crop will be further enhanced by the installation of a grading and bagging unit to increase the marketability of Bahamian onions.
Further efforts will be directed during this fiscal year at reducing cost of production and enhancing quality to improve the income of onion producers.
The cassava imports have been increasing over the past five years and has been estimated at $700,000 annually. In an attempt to reduce our importation of cassava, a cassava washing and waxing facility was constructed on north Andros to help farmers improve the shelf-life and quality of local cassava.
This unit has been completed and will allow for the substitution of Bahamian grown cassava and sweet potatoes for the same items that are currently imported.
Based on the success of this unit, other such facilities will be made available to other cassava and potato producing islands.
Mr. Speaker;
The department will concentrate on further increasing the acreage of pineapples, coconuts and citrus.
The pineapple programme was started in 2001 with the tissue culture of pineapples from long island and an improved variety. The material was sent to a tissue culture facility in Florida. More than 250,000 pineapples were hardened at the Gladstone road agricultural centre and distributed to farmers mainly on Eleuthera and long island.
Prior to the passage of hurricanes Frances and Jeanne the increased production of pineapples was measured by the availability of the fruit at the public market on potter’s cay.
The passage of recent hurricanes resulted in reduced demand for planting materials in the recent past; There is resurgence in interest in improved planting materials. The department will acquire 200,000 hardened plantlets to boost the planted acreage within the next year.
In an effort to replace coconut trees destroyed by lethal yellowing, the department of agriculture will continue to import disease resistant nuts.
Despite the importation of 45,000 seed nuts, the rapid expansion of resort developments have resulted in the diversion of most coconut plants to ornamental use in resorts and public spaces.
The department will import 30,000 additional disease resistant seed nuts within the next fiscal year to be sold at cost to farmers to satisfy the growing demand for trees in both fresh coconut water and for ornamental plantings in resort developments.
The citrus canker eradication effort, has, to date cost $1.5 million.
To improve and increase citrus production the department is targeting the development of 200 acres of limes on the islands of Eleuthera and Andros within the next year to replace imported limes currently offered for sale in the Bahamas.
Recent hurricanes have devastated the banana crop throughout the Bahamas.
A more persistent issue in this regard is the reluctance of banana growers to venture back into production.
But with the passage of time Mr. Speaker there has been a resurgence of interest in banana production.
The department will acquire 10,000 banana plantlets of improved varieties to permit interested farmers to return to production of bananas.
The department prepared a banana production manual and extension officers have been trained in the management of black sigatoka disease.
The construction of ripening rooms will continue this year.
To date rooms have been constructed and are operational on Andros, and long island; a third facility is near completion in Abaco.
The ripening facilities are multi purpose in that they will ripen all manner of fruit on demand; growers of early season citrus fruits and tomatoes will benefit greatly from this utility.
With technical assistance from the food and agriculture organization a modern seed laboratory has been established at the Gladstone road agricultural centre to provide farmers with certified seed of Bahamian goat pepper and hot pepper, which are “landraces” that are unique to the Bahamas.
As a result of the facility farmers can now purchase Bahamian goat and hot pepper seeds through the fish and farm store. Farmers have reported increases in productivity of the plant and higher yields as a result of the clean seed.
A direct result of improved seed and increased productive capacity of hot pepper producers, there has been a dramatic increase in the volume of hot peppers available on the domestic market.
The next phase in the hot pepper production strategy will be improvements to the grading and packaging to improve the quality and presentation of peppers on the local market and a simultaneous promotion of processing of the second grade product into dried preparations and pepper sauces by small groups of growers/processors.
During this fiscal year the department will conduct test marketing of Bahamian grown hot peppers on to markets in the United States and the United Kingdom to seek a share of the growing hot peppers export markets.
Exports of fresh pepper fruit are currently valued at $17.5 million (us) and 20.4 million pounds (UK).
International interest in purchasing cascarilla quills has been increasing since the publication of the FAO report on the resource in the Bahamas. The price has also increased from $4.50 per pound to $10.00 per pound.
The FAO report indicated that the widely practiced harvest methods in long island, Acklins and crooked island are endangering the resource.
The recommendation from the report suggested that harvesters needed to be retrained in their harvesting techniques to ensure healthy re-growth of cascarilla after harvest. Current harvesting techniques do not assist re-growth as the canopy of the surrounding trees is not thinned out to permit sufficient sunlight.
The department of agriculture will seek to purchase the relevant equipment and undertake an extensive training initiative to ensure the sustainability of this resource.
In addition an experienced forester will be identified and employed to oversee this commercially viable resource.
Mr. Speaker
A major area of responsibility within my portfolio is the conservation of plants and animals. In this regard the oversight and protection of Abaco wild horses are of great importance. The Abaco wild horses have declined from a recent population high of eighteen (18), while free ranging in the former Bahama star groves, to five (5) now confined in the pine forest reserve.
The numbers have declined to the extent that natural recovery will result in severely inbred offspring.
The department of agriculture has explored the acquisition of animals/semen/embryos to affect a recovery of the herd.
The veterinary division of the department has advised that the importation of new genetics and confined management is the only hope for recovery; visiting equine experts have concurred with this assessment.
The department will establish a managed area, complete with barns and nursery area, to begin the recovery process.
The enclosure of a two hundred (200) acres plot will comprise the managed area.
The necessary supplies to support artificial insemination to ensure reproduction and assisted mating will be introduced.
The department will accept genetic materials and short term technical assistance from the equine experts to support the recovery.
Mr. Speaker
It is note worthy that the Abaco wild horses will never again be allowed to roam freely in the forests of north Abaco.
The proximity of the Treasure Cay International Airport and the potential for accidents involving commercial passenger aircraft precludes this.
The surviving group will be confined to a properly managed reserve where they may be viewed under managed care.
Mr. Speaker;
There are other areas that I have not been able to address fully today, but this does not mean they are of any lesser importance.
As the year progresses, the public will become more aware of the improvements to the botanic gardens and, the abattoir.
They will learn of our plans to re-address the stray dog situation and the valuable use of agricultural lands, the need for conservation and environment awareness. I move now to the department of marine resources.
Mr. Speaker
The marine resources of our nation are largely defined by the geography of the Bahamas. A significant portion of our marine resources is the fishery resources.
Fishery resources are renewable and while they have a natural capacity for regeneration we believe that they are being extensively exploited.
Our efforts must be expended to manage this exploitation so that future generations of
Bahamians will know and enjoy the bounties of our waters, notwithstanding that marine environments, globally, have endured degradation.
The crawfish continues to be the most important sector of the commercial fishing industry earning foreign exchange and providing employment for thousands of Bahamians.
The exports of crawfish tails for 2006 were 5.2 million pounds within a value of $92.2 million.
This important resource must be carefully managed and enhanced enforcement of the existing regulations is a critical element in an effort to ensure the sustainability of this resource.
Research now indicates that this resource is fully exploited; therefore, the regulatory measures in place governing harvest size and closure of season must be vigorously enforced.
We will continue to educate Bahamian fishermen that egg bearing and undersized crawfish should not be caught; and Bahamian consumers and business operators that they should not encourage or support such activities by buying illegally harvested crawfish.
During the fiscal year we will be looking seriously at the possible prohibition of sale of out of season marine species in our restaurants.
Mr. Speaker
The sponge industry, which in recent years has been revived, is small, but continues to be of importance in some areas of the Bahamas.
Exports in 2006 were in excess of 111,000 pounds with a value of $1 million.
Areas of production will be examined and the necessary assistance provided to assist sponge fishermen with drying, sorting and grading techniques.
Mr. Speaker; The stone crab industry is also growing.
The export of 92,321 pounds of stone crab claws provided an income of b$1.1 million in 2006, a significant increase over the earnings for the previous year.
This is a very sensitive area of our marine species and attempts will be made to ensure that proper measures are taken by fishermen to sustain the continuance of the industry.
Mr. Speaker;
The objective of the management of our marine resources is to ensure their conservation and sustainable utilization.
Concentrated activities in the ensuing year will focus on the enforcement of the new/revised fisheries regulations and related legislation.
The staff at the department has been increased to strengthen surveillance in many of the family islands and a concerted effort will be made to provide them with the necessary tools and equipment.
Further, efforts will be made to ensure that all family islands have surveillance staff, where needed.
Collaborative efforts with the royal Bahamas police and Defence forces will be continued to positively impact the protection of our marine resources.
The department’s 65 foot vessel “guanahani” has been deployed to the royal Bahamas Defence force (RBDF) and has been successful in disrupting the activities of poachers resulting in a number of arrests and confiscation of vessels and catch.
The planned enhancement of the RBDF in terms of the acquisition of increased numbers of smaller patrol vessels and aircraft will, no doubt, go a long way toward improving our capability for detection and apprehension of foreign vessels that fish illegally in the waters of the Bahamas.
Mr. Speaker;
“No take marine reserves” serve to encourage sustainability of resources".
As successful as the Exuma land and sea park has been, it alone cannot do what is needed to maintain the sustainability of our marine resources industry.
For the full benefits to be realized there must be a network of no take marine reserves, large enough together for there to be the different habitats, and close enough together for there to be linkages for marine animal and plant life as they move through their life cycles.
There must also be a sufficient number of resources so as to provide some replication as insurance against the occurrence of any local environmental catastrophe.
The department will therefore seek to expand areas within the national network of no take marine reserves and will work diligently toward the implementation of five (5) other reserves in the first instance.
Mr. Speaker;
These no-take zones were identified during the final year of the FNM administration and since then nothing was done about it. These first five (5) no take marine reserve areas will likely be in north Bimini, the Berry Islands, south Eleuthera, the Exuma cays and the northern Abaco cays. The matter will be addressed urgently in this fiscal period.
Mr. Speaker
The primary legislation governing fisheries in the Bahamas is approximately thirty years old.
There is a pressing need to revitalize the process to bring about new legislation that will more adequately address the needs and obligations of the Bahamas today.
The food and agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) has therefore been approached for assistance to update our fisheries legislation.
Mr. Speaker
The national efforts to conserve the Nassau grouper will continue during 2007/2008 fiscal period.
Again, jointly with the RBDF, enforcement during the closed season will be high priority.
At present the dates for the closure and opening of the season are not clearly established but rather decided based on the phases of the moon. Avenues will be sought to determine fixed dates for a grouper season.
Mr. Speaker;
Focus will also be brought to bear on the encouragement of the mariculture and aquaculture sectors. Aquaculture is the rearing of fish, shellfish and some aquatic plants in water, on land, to supplement the natural supply. mariculture is the rearing of fish, shellfish and some aquatic plants, in the sea. Besides producing for export markets, it is envisioned that viable mariculture and aquaculture sectors would reduce our reliance on the normally wild fisheries thus providing these various species the opportunities to regenerate, naturally.
Mariculture and aquaculture are definitely areas where foreign investment opportunities could be realized.
Development of these sectors will be enhanced by the introduction of comprehensive enabling legislation to encourage and regulate the sectors’ activities.
The food and agriculture organization (FAO) will also be approached to assist us with the drafting of relevant legislation.
Mr. Speaker
Perhaps no other marine resource defines “Bahamian” like the conch.
It is a part of our culture, and the Bahamian economy.
Conch is considered a staple of the Bahamian diet.
Therefore, for our own good, we must ensure that the conch fishery is sustainably managed. This management of the resource must also be demonstrated so that the Bahamas can comply with internationally set requirements of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (cites).
In 2006, some 1.9 million pounds of conch with a value of $6.6m dollars were landed. Some 249,000 lbs of this was formally exported at a value of $1.558m dollars.
The conch is under increased fishing pressure, from fishermen for export, as well as from Bahamian consumers, for conch salad, cracked conch, conch fritters, conch chowder and other conch dishes.
Further, degradation of the marine environment has negatively impacted the conch populations. The department of marine resources and the institute for marine and environmental studies at the college of the Bahamas, are engaged, jointly, in a long term activity to assess perceived declining conch populations in the Bahamas.
The initial surveys will focus on the areas of the great Bahama bank traditionally targeted by commercial fishermen for the conch fishery.
Mr. Speaker
The sport fishing sector is an important aspect of the fishing industry in the Bahamas. The management of this sector has implications for the level of economic impact on local communities and commercial fishers, and also the level of impact on the sustainability of our marine resources.
In January, 2007, to reduce the pressure of over fishing on our marine resources, new catch limits for sports fishermen were promulgated. These changes significantly reduced the previous limits and expressed limits in terms of catch per vessel rather than catch per person.
In that these changes have been perceived by foreign boaters and some marina operators as unfair to them as a user group, a consultative review of the sports fishing sector, to include an improved regulatory regime, is being undertaken by my ministry and relevant stakeholders. The current regulations have been reviewed and are being revised.
Mr. Speaker;
The department of marine resources will conduct a number of training programmes during the new fiscal year. These will include one that will provide refresher training to commercial fishermen who dive with air compressors.
The focus of this is on safety and expert assistance is provided by a physician and a veteran dive master.
The department of marine resources will continue to take this programme to selected islands where there are requisite numbers of commercial fishermen that could benefit from the training. In recent times two (2) fishermen have met untimely deaths because they were not exposed to this training.
Others will provide training related to sanitation and food safety issues for those involved in the seafood processing industry and training for persons interested in learning more about the processing of other types of food products.
Some $33,600 will be spent on these and other training initiatives during this fiscal period.
Mr. Speaker
My ministry has the responsibility for the sustainable use and development of the marine resources of the Bahamas.
Our efforts must therefore continue to achieve this noble objective, so that our children and our children’s children will know and enjoy the bounties of our waters, particularly a breakfast of boiled Nassau grouper or a dish of Bahamian conch salad.
In our attempt to ensure that these relished items are with us for generations to come, certain steps will have to be taken for the procuring of these and we seek the abiding patience of stake holders in this regard.
Mr. Speaker;
I am also charged with responsibility for the Bahamas agricultural and industrial corporation (BAIC) which is empowered through the BAIC act.
The corporation is mandated to play a positive role in the economic diversification of the economy through the development of small and medium sized businesses so as to stimulate, facilitate and enhance the agriculture and marine resources sectors, and promote light industries throughout the Bahamas.
Economic diversification has been largely engendered by a focus on locally produced handicrafts and agricultural endeavors.
The handicraft industry has benefited significantly from specialized training, promotion, education and encouragement of the BAIC.
Currently the demand for handicraft and souvenir items still outweighs supply, therefore the efforts of the corporation will continue in this area.
These efforts will include the hosting of the tenth Bahama arts festival in October, 2007 where locally manufactured arts, crafts, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, jewelry, foodstuffs, drinks, etc will be showcased.
Training in straw, shell and coconut craft will be undertaken in family islands, with the objective of empowering Bahamians as entrepreneurs of authentic Bahamian made products.
Some five hundred persons will graduate from these courses during the ensuring year.
These training courses that have proven to be successful will continue until every island has benefited as have New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, crooked island, Eleuthera, Mayaguana, Abaco, Berry Islands, Andros, Inagua and black point, Exuma.
The Bahamas national handicraft association
Having provided technical training in the production of straw, shell and coconut products, management and business-related training for the operation of the business, BAIC has provided assistance in the formation of the national handicraft association.
At present, local artists, artisans and associations are scattered across several islands and cays creating logistical constraints (transportation, inter-island trade, storage of goods, etc.)
The actions and activities of the artist, artisans and local associations are presently not cohesive and therefore not conducive to achieving maximum returns.
The items produced locally do not have universal recognition and sales potential and the efforts to market such products must be collective and concentrated, and there must be singularity of vision and purpose.
The formation of the national handicraft association is the catalyst for bringing together artists, artisans and local associations into a single body to facilitate domestic and international trade opportunities.
During 2007, BAIC in conjunction with the Bahamas national craft association, will host a number of trade shows in Nassau and the family islands.
BAIC and the association will also host the 2nd annual general meeting of the association prior to the 10th Bahama arts festival.
Craft centres – establishment & expansion To assist with the marketing of the handicraft products, BAIC was instrumental in the conversion of a building that formally housed the library and magistrate court at Nicholls’s town, north Andros.
BAIC is also committed to the conversion of a building in black point, Exuma to a craft centre and is presently involved in the construction of a craft centre in red bays, Andros.
BAIC also assisted with the repairs of the craft centre in south Andros.
The corporation will continue to review requests for the establishment of craft centres in other family islands.
Bahamacraft centre
The Bahamacraft centre is located on Paradise Island and comprises 84 booths showcasing silver top, conch shell jewelry, junkanoo masterpieces, artist renditions, dirt wood paintings, among other things. Operators at the craft centre have indicated that traffic to the centre should be improved.
BAIC has therefore met with the Bahamas taxi cab union to discuss the craft centre being included in the scheduled tours.
The union is presently revising a tour with the cruise lines to include the centre in the “cloister tour.”
A greeter, to assist in welcoming persons to the centre, has recently been recruited as an added feature.
The handicraft sector provides enhanced entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians.
Handicraft items are not only sold in the straw market, but also in upscale souvenir stores on Bay Street, cable beach, and Paradise Island.
The corporation will continue its activities at the craft centre with the objective of increasing the volume of tourist and visitors to the centre.
Agriculture
The corporation is mindful of the need to bridge the gap of the estimated $200 plus million agricultural import bill.
And engaging Bahamians in the investment opportunities throughout the Bahamas.
In light of the foregoing, BAIC has commenced work on the following initiatives: - expansion/creation of large-scale commercial enterprises. - expansion/creation of smaller scale cottage industries. - “assistance to school” programme.
The targeted production items include vegetables (cabbage, tomatoes, sweet peppers, etc.).
Livestock, tree farming (limes, mangos, avocados, coconuts, etc.) and plants for landscaping (sea grapes, coco plums, etc.).
Where the present or potential market and/or project exist, the entities will be encouraged to produce for that market on that particular island in the first instance, and subsequently for the larger Bahamas.
The initiatives will be undertaken by the corporation via activities inclusive of the following: - maximum usage of BAIC land for genuine agricultural projects; - identify and publish a list of incentives for the agricultural sector. - identify funding for the agricultural sector (public, private and guarantee funds). - provide statistical data for the sector on the economic benefits to the country (e.g. jobs created, import substitution). - develop business profiles for the various components of these initiatives. - BAIC will continue to give assistance to and partner with Bahamas agricultural and producers association (BAPA) on the further development of the agriculture sector.
Buyers/farmers meetings
In pursuing the corporation’s mandate and as a result of interactions with farmers from throughout the Bahamas, BAIC will continue to assist farmers in the marketing of their products, to reduce the pressure on the produce exchange in New Providence.
Agricultural & livestock exhibition
BAIC and the department of agriculture will assist the Bahamas agricultural producers association (BAPA) in the hosting of an agricultural and livestock exhibition in November.
The objective of the agricultural and livestock fair and exhibition is to showcase a representative sample of small and medium primary, producers and processors from across the Bahamas, with a view to stimulating, facilitating and encouraging them, in a sector that is important to the long-term food security of our country.
Efforts will be geared toward attracting and bringing together as many and as diverse a group as possible at the Gladstone road agricultural centre for four (4) days, where various fruits, plants, vegetables, livestock and marine resources will be on display.
During the four (4) days, the stakeholders will brainstorm and explore possible solutions to some of the problems hindering the achievement of greater national food security and a reduction in poverty.
Research Unit
The research unit of the corporation will, inter-alia, continue to build and maintain a database of information on the Bahamian market, inclusive of producing business profiles.
Economic profiles will also be developed on each island, so that potential investors would be able to quickly get a bird’s eye view of the economic situation and potential of each island.
Ongoing initiatives for business profiles that are under research are the dry coconut de-husking profile, the charcoal production profile, production of jams and pepper sauce profiles, and research information on a bagging machine for agricultural products.
Coconut de-husking profile
Preliminary information indicates that some 26,780 coconuts are sold per month by four (4) major buyers. However, they require that the coconuts be dehusked.
The research unit has located a coconut de-husking machine in Malaysia, at a first cost of $4,200.00. This is a single man operated machine that has the capacity to dehusk 300 coconuts per hour.
The corporation is presently collecting additional research to determine the viability of this project. In the event it appears viable, the business profile will be produced and made available to the general public.
This profile indicates initially how machinery with a relatively low investment, can have a major impact on production capacity.
This also provides hard evidence on the market, which can spin-off additional investment in coconut tree farming.
It should be noted that the dehusking machines deal with dry coconuts. Jelly coconuts, especially for the tourist refreshing drink market is an entirely different research profile.
Production of Charcoal
Preliminary market research indicates that the locally produced coal is superior, specifically with respect to heat content, longevity and the scent that emanates from the wood vis-à-vis the imported coal.
However, the imported coal has a superior marketing mix vis-à-vis the locally produced coal. the imported coal comes in packaged 5, 10 or 20 pound bags that ‘catches’ the eyes of the consumer, has relevant consumer information and is bar-coded.
The locally produced coal generally comes in much larger bags (including fertilizer), with no labels and is usually loosely tied at the top by a string.
Major buyers have indicated that if the locally produced coal can be packaged at a similar level of the imported coal, they are prepared to carry the same in their establishment.
The research unit is continuing to work on this profile utilizing the casuarinas tree. The same includes the mechanization of the operation at a relatively low investment. The research will also focus on creating a sustained marketing mix.
Bagging machine for agricultural products
Buyers of agricultural products have also advised of the need for products to come from the packing
Facilities ready for the consumer. The same includes items such as limes, oranges, grapefruits, onions and potatoes pre-packed in relevant bags (e.g. 3 lb. and 5 lb.). The buyers also note that if items are pre-packed, the sales level is higher vis-à-vis the same items that are placed loose on the shelves.
The research unit is reviewing the feasibility of a bagging machine with its related items.
Initiatives to be undertaken by BAIC in the ensuing fiscal period will include:- - mass production of souvenir items in the fifteen dollars and below price range; - partnership with the food safety and technology laboratory to process jams, juices and pepper sauces as cottage industries in the family islands so that the added value will benefit the local community directly, by Enhancing the revenue base and create niche, authentically Bahamian markets with room for expansion; - continue partnership with the college of the Bahamas to sponsor the business lecture series for budding and existing entrepreneurs; - continuous small business basic training programmes for persons who receive BAIC’s handicraft and shell craft training in the family islands; - continuation of the school desk refurbishment programme by tenants in the solider road industrial park; - Continuation of the prison reform programme where a consultant, on a daily basis, trains persons in tree and crop farming, and livestock rearing.
All lots in the solider road industrial parks and the Gladstone road industrial park are fully committed.
Development in the Gladstone road industrial park, to date, has been impeded due to the lack of electricity and road works.
All infrastructural development will be completed during 2007 and tenants will be in a position to carry out their business proposals and further diversify the economy.
A review of land mass that could be made available for new industrial parks, preferably in the family islands, will be undertaken.
Mr. Speaker;
I anticipate a very rewarding year in the ministry of agriculture and marine resources.
I am excited that I have been charged with the responsibility to move this very vital part of our development ahead.
I trust that my experience as the captain at the helm of this ministry will assist tremendously in the improvement of lives for years to come.
I look forward to a year of productivity as I work together with the various departments under my charge and with the people of the agriculture, fisheries and business sectors of this commonwealth.
Mr. Speaker;
I thank you for your patience. May god continue to guide, govern and protect us all.
