The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS of Bahamians waited in line yesterday at the Urban Renewal Job Fair for their chance to apply for some 200 jobs from more than 25 companies across the country.

Starting at 9am, companies ranging from the Junkanoo Beach Hotel to BAF Financial & Insurance set up booths at St Joseph’s Church Hall, St Barnabas Anglican Church, and the Holy Cross Anglican Church to collect stacks of resumes and interview one person at a time.

Supt Stephen Dean, coordinator of Urban Renewal 2.0, explained that the job fair is about “empowering” Bahamians and reducing the country’s unemployment and crime level.

“Two months ago we did a similar project in the Bains and Grants Town area,” he said. “Over 500 people came out, canvassing and looking for jobs, additionally we had over 40 persons that were hired. It is a model that can be duplicated so we selected three more urban renewal centres and you can see the results today.

“Researchers have told us there is a direct correlation between unemployment and crime. We believe that if we can do anything to minimize the unemployment level, that will assist in the reduction of crime.”

At the Holy Cross Anglican Church location, Garden Hills MP and Speaker of the House Kendal Major was present to offer his support to job seekers.

“There is a great need for jobs in our communities. People are hurting, who just want opportunities. As you can see by the enthusiasm of the crowd here – the hundreds of persons – that jobs are needed,” he said.

“I believe in Bahamians and I believe in providing an opportunity for Bahamians to reach their natural potential. The urban renewal centre has spoken to the companies and they’ve agreed to do it because there is a need for jobs... Kudos should be given to urban renewal centres – the hard-working police officers who are here and are committed to this.”

Deputy Speaker and Nassau Village MP Dion Smith also made an appearance a the job fair and said he thought it was very important to note that the job seekers on the line are not giving up.

Denise Knowles, human resources manager at AML Food Groups, said her company was looking to employ 70 persons while Katie Carter of Furniture Plus said she had four positions open.

Both women said that their companies were hoping to fill all their positions from the selection of persons present at the Job Fair.

After visiting three booths, Devonn Adderley, 28, was hired as a truck driver for Switcha.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I came here with high hopes, went to a couple of booths and when I went to the Switcha company, the guy saw my experience and he hired me.”

Mr Adderley said he had been unemployed for six months before the job fair and offered his own advice to job seekers: “Nothing is better than just trying. It doesn’t make no sense just staying home and being relaxed. Try your hand at something and you’ll succeed.”

St Barnabas had a smaller turnout than Holy Cross, but employers still entertained the more than 60 persons who arrived, r�sum�s in hand.

Sian Bevans of The Nassau Airport Development Company said NAD wanted to hire 15 persons as landscape and cleaning technicians. While Monique Bain of Wemco said they had 50 positions open for security officers.

However, despite the turnout, Inspector Bradley Pratt told the press he was disheartened given the unemployment rate.

“The greatest challenge in this community here would be jobs that’s is why I say I’m a bit disappointed — especially with the men. We sent the opportunity out to them to come here and seek employment and it’s sad to see that most of the men didn’t show up today,” he said. “Here we are, we had the persons (employers) here, we were waiting on you.”

Over at St Joseph’s, a quieter crowd calmly waited to be interviewed by such companies as Lord Ellor & Co.

Wayde Christie, a partner in the law firm, said they were looking to hire two persons in clerical and secretarial positions.

“It’s a great avenue for the young people who are coming up fresh out of school to get into a position where they can network with various potential employers,” Mr Christie said of the job fair.

“The key is drive. I think with a lot of younger people these days you come out of high school, you don’t have the experience and it’s a little bit of a catch 22 because nine times out of 10 you need the experience to get the job.

“We (Lord Ellor & Co) are not necessarily looking for experience – we want people who want to learn and want to grow and that, I think, allows everyday to move forward together.”