20/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 20/10/2025 14:24
NASSAU, The Bahamas - The Government of The Bahamas has taken a major step toward transforming the nation's agricultural sector with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Ontario Inc., and Mr. Preston Drummond. The signing ceremony was held on October 14, 2025.
The agreement marks the official launch of "Bahamian Heat", a new line of premium hot sauces and consumer products designed to bring the bold, authentic flavours of The Bahamas to international markets.
Delivering remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, hailed the partnership as a model for agricultural innovation and collaboration.
"Today, we are taking a bold step forward in transforming Bahamian agriculture into a global player," Minister Campbell said. "This partnership represents a powerful union - Bahamian farmers producing world-class peppers, particularly our iconic red Scotch Bonnet or 'goat pepper,' combined with Ontario Inc.'s decades of expertise in manufacturing, branding, and global distribution."
The Minister emphasized that the initiative goes far beyond the production of hot sauce.
"This is about transformation - moving from dependence to innovation, from local stalls to global supermarkets," he stated. "It's about job creation, foreign exchange, and sustainable economic growth. Most importantly, it sends a message to every Bahamian agro-processor that the world is open to you."
Minister Campbell highlighted the government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through training, technical assistance, market access, and compliance with international standards, ensuring Bahamian-made products can compete confidently on the world stage.
"This is how we build industries - not in silos, but through unity," he said. "Farmers, processors, distributors, and government agencies must work hand in hand. This is true collaboration in action, and this is The Bahamas moving forward."
He congratulated BAIC, Ontario Inc., and Mr. Drummond for their pioneering work in making Bahamian Heat a reality.
"May Bahamian Heat be the first of many world-class brands to tell the story of our land, our talent, and our people," Minister Campbell said. "May it inspire a new generation of Bahamian entrepreneurs to turn local harvests into global success."