The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net THE Department of Statistics, in conjunction with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), yesterday launched a comprehensive wage and productivity survey aimed at ultimately "matching labour demand with labour supply". Kelise Dorsett, director of the Bahamas' Department of Statistics, told Tribune Business that while employers have often expressed concern over not being able to find persons with the necessary skills sets, the survey was a move towards tackling the issue. Speaking with Tribune Business, Mrs Dorsett said: "It's a very comprehensive manpower study that will enable us to better be able to match the skill level with the people out there ,because many employers are saying that they can't find qualified people to do what they need. We want to match the supply of labour with the demand for labour, ensuring that the people have the skills with the jobs out there. "When we go to the employers, we are asking them about their training procedures, about their employees; what their educational background is, what their training background is, and what their future needs are in terms of skill levels. "So once we produce all that information, it should give an assessment of where the workforce is at and enable our policymakers to plan accordingly. Given globalisation and the fast movement of economies, you have to make sure that you have a skilled and qualified workforce to meet the demand." The survey began in New Providence yesterday and is expected to begin in Freeport at month's end. According to Mrs Dorsett, some 600 firms will be interviewed during a process expected to take three months. Astrid Wynter, the Bahamas' representative of the IDB, told Tribune Business: "The survey is very important. One of the four priority areas in our country strategy with the Bahamas for the period 2012 to 2014 is SMEs. That's the engine for growth, and so this survey is key in providing support so that employers can articulate exactly the skills they want. "We hope it will also lead to a reduction in the need to import skilled labourers, because if people can prepare for jobs they know are going to be coming down the line, you would be able to find the skills domestically that you need. That helps to strengthen the Bahamian economy as well." She added: "It's really trying to make sure the market signals are very clear, both on the demand side and the supply side, with the objective of strengthening productivity in the Bahamas so that you have higher quality jobs, and people can have the skills that meet the demands. The idea is that this will be sustainable so that it can become a part of regular surveys."