More than 40 students in the Government’s Farming and Fishing Gateway Initiative were joined by administrators and other well-wishers as they celebrated the success of the aquaponics and apiculture courses at the Hope Agricultural Training Institute (HATI) recently.

Graduates shared testimonials describing the 10-week programme as life-changing, citing increased confidence, valuable networking opportunities, and a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

HATI’s interim Manager Dr. Patricia Saul congratulated the class of 2026, impressed by what she witnessed throughout the programme.

"You did more than just complete; you executed these courses with diligence, commitment and, if I may say, panache,” she said.

Wishing them all the best in their future endeavours, Dr. Saul encouraged the students to put their lessons into practice and continue learning beyond the classroom.

Barbados Gateway Training Initiative (BGTI) Project Manager Liesel Daniel applauded the graduates, recognizing their commitment to the programme and stressing the significance of the moment. She encouraged them to continue pursuing further education, and to consider enrolling in another BGTI programme.

Several graduates said they had taken their classes home and were already working on their own hives and farms.

Emerald Als, who was enrolled in the apiculture programme, was one of the graduates. She thanked organisers for their work on the programmes and for answering her many questions.

Noting she was leaving with a wealth of knowledge, Als revealed that the initiative had gone far beyond her expectations, exploring the legal and environmental issues involved in such undertakings.

She said, “There is an industry that can be developed further in this country, and we have an opportunity to engage in meaningful enterprises.”

The successful completion of HATI's first training programmes marks the beginning of a new chapter in agricultural education and entrepreneurship in Barbados, planting the seeds for a more resilient, innovative agricultural sector.