Bahamas-CARDI Host Country Agreement Signing Ceremony

9 December 2019 – The Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Mr Barton A. Clarke, paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas to sign a Host Country Agreement to further facilitate the work of CARDI in The Bahamas.

The Hon. Marvin H. Dames, MP, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, led The Bahamas side during the signing ceremony to ratify the CARDI Host Country Agreement.

During the ceremony, Minister Dames extended the appreciation of The Bahamas for the work of CARDI in The Bahamas, which continues to expand the agricultural industry in The Bahamas and enhances the ability of the country to feed itself and depend less on food imports, which often do not meet healthy standards.

Mr. Clarke reiterated the importance of advancing the local agricultural industry, while indicating the intention of CARDI intent to continue assisting The Bahamas by providing a research and development service, not only related to technology, but also to developing strategic value chains.

Mr. Clarke also highlighted CARDI-Bahamas relations prior to 2016, noting that the Institution had assisted with the establishment of an organic farm in The Bahamas as a result of beneficial relations with the European Union. He indicated CARDI’s intent to enjoy another 45 years of friendly relations with The Bahamas.

The signing of the Agreement further expands the ability of CARDI to assist the agricultural industry in The Bahamas via innovative and resilience-focused initiatives and research developments for its sustainable growth.

The Bahamas was also represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael C. Pintard, MP, and Bahamian High Commissioner to CARICOM, H.E. Reuben Rahming, MP.

CARDI’s representative to The Bahamas, Dr. Michele Singh, was also in attendance during this historic occasion.

The Bahamas first signed the Instrument of Accession to CARDI on 20^th June, 2016, agreeing to establish an Office for CARDI in The Bahamas.

CARDI was established by the Heads of Government of CARICOM in 1974 to further advance their agricultural research capacity and development needs of its Member-States. This regional agricultural institution plays a critical role in the implementation and coordination of key Technology and Information Systems (TIS) in the agricultural sector for the region, resulting in ample growth for CARICOM countries. CARDI provides consultations to its Member-States via its programmes and sub-programmes to benefit the regional food basket through commodity programmes including small ruminants, sweet potatoes and other root crops, cereals and grain legumes, hot peppers and fruits and vegetables. CARDI currently serves a collective population of just over 6.2 million.

Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Executive Director Barton Clarke (middle, left) paid a courtesy call on Acting Foreign Minister, the Hon. Marvin Dames (middle, right) prior to a signing ceremony for CARDI Host Country Agreement. Dr. Michele Singh, CARDI Bahamas representative (left) and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard (right) were also present.

CARDI Executive Director Barton Clarke and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Marvin Dames shake hands after signing the CARDI Host Country and Diplomatic Immunities Agreement. CARDI Bahamas representative, Dr. Michele Singh and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard were also present.

CARDI Executive Director Barton Clarke (seated middle, left) and Acting Foreign Minister, the Hon. Marvin Dames (middle, right) sign The Bahamas-CARDI Host Country Agreement. Others present included CARDI-Bahamas Representative Dr. Michele Singh (left); Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard (right); standing are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Permanent Secretary, Peter Deveaux-Isaacs (left) and High Commissioner to CARICOM (Caribbean Community), H.E. Reuben Rahming (right).