NASSAU, The Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip Davis today delivered remarks at the closeout ceremony of the BAMSI–Simpson Penn Youth Agricultural Programme, celebrating ten young men who successfully completed an intensive gardening and agricultural skills initiative.
The programme, a collaboration between the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute and the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys, provided participants with hands-on training in sustainable agriculture, crop cultivation, harvesting techniques, and environmentally conscious farming practices.
“I am honoured to be standing on these grounds this afternoon,” Prime Minister Davis said. “And I mean that sincerely, because what is happening here at Simpson Penn is something every Bahamian should be proud of.”
Addressing the graduates directly, the Prime Minister praised their discipline and perseverance. “You have learned how to prepare and cultivate a garden from the ground up. You have studied techniques that reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. You have learned when and how to harvest crops properly. These are real, practical skills that will serve you for the rest of your lives.”
The Prime Minister underscored the government’s broader commitment to creating opportunity pathways for young Bahamian men, noting that many have expressed feelings of exclusion or lack of support. He referenced national initiatives such as Upskill, which now has over 11,000 registrants, including many young men from across New Providence, as part of a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the BAMSI–Simpson Penn collaboration represents the power of coordinated national action. “This programme is a powerful example of what happens when government, civil society, and community organizations work together with a shared purpose.”
He extended appreciation to the Parenting and Crime Group for its role in designing and delivering the initiative, as well as to the Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources. Additional thanks were expressed to the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation, the Office of the First Lady, and the Gang Crime and Justice Task Force for their support.
Parents and family members were also acknowledged for their participation in capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening family bonds.
“Your presence here today tells your sons that they are supported and that they are loved,” noted the Prime Minister. “That matters deeply.”
Prime Minister Davis confirmed that the Government of The Bahamas will support Phase 2 of the programme beginning in March. The next phase will expand the garden, deepen agricultural and management skills, introduce backyard poultry farming, and incorporate entrepreneurship training.
“Young men, what you have accomplished here is yours. No one can take it from you,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“We have ten young men who planted seeds, tended a garden, and grew something real. Now we are going to help them keep growing.”