The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville commended the 250 young Grand Bahamians who have enrolled in programmes offered by the National Training Agency in Freeport.

The participants - who are between the ages of 16-29 years – attended the official launch of NTA Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Programme held at the offices in the NIB Complex on Monday.

Dr Darville said the four-week employment skills programme caters to Grand Bahamians from West End to Sweeting’s Cay, and is designed to prepare them for sustainable employment.

“Even though the last unemployment statistics verified a 2.2 per cent reduction in the unemployment rate on Grand Bahama, the report indicated that some 30 per cent of the unemployed work force were young people,” he said.

“This is certainly unacceptable to the government and today as we launch this life changing programme, we have decided to target this important group first,” he said.

Dr Darville said the challenge is that many individuals lack the basic qualifications to fill positions. He stated that the skills persons will receive will allow them to gain life changing experiences and skills that will position them to attain and benefit from sustainable employment opportunities.

“In our Charter for Governance, this administration promised to mount an aggressive campaign to create thousands of jobs for Bahamians. However, as reality dictates on Grand Bahama, we can only satisfy this commitment to job creation if we equip young Grand Bahamians with the basic skills and certifications required to compete in the job market, he said.

“As Minister for Grand Bahama, I am pleased that the government, through the National Training Agency, is demonstrating its fundamental belief in Bahamians, and fulfilling its commitment to lowering the unemployment rate by equipping Bahamians, firstly with the behavioural training, and secondly, with the skills and certification necessary to meet the present and future demands of our evolving economy.”

Minister Darville told participants that Grand Bahama is moving in the right direction and the future looks bright.

He indicated that the government is finalising plans that would cause significant growth of the industrial, manufacturing, agricultural and maritime sectors of Grand Bahama.

This, he said, would call for a greater need of skilled Bahamians in specialised areas.

Dr Darville said that persons would also be needed at the new four-star, all-inclusive Memories Grand Bahama, as well as other major hotel projects like Baha Mar and Albany in New Providence.

Thousands of new jobs, he added, will be directly created, and thousands of other entrepreneurial opportunities will be created because of the multiplier effect those investments will have in the community.

“It is a known fact that even the best locations and offerings would be meaningless without outstanding guest service. However, if these hotels and resort properties are to thrive, we must equip the future staff with the tools and the mind-set to naturally deliver an experience of which every guest is offered a warm welcome and is made to feel special, valued and appreciated.

Dr Darville said many of the participants have opted to receive training in hospitality, customer service, food and beverage, food preparation and housekeeping.

He stressed that one of his many mandates is to reduce the unemployment rate on Grand Bahama.

“I fully support the efforts of The National Training Agency, which will through private internships, increase our supply of skilled Bahamians, and as a result, decrease the demand for foreign labour,” he explained.

Dr Darville said the programme is a second chance for many who have fallen through cracks and may not have all the qualifications that employers require.

He told them that by their enrolling in the programme, they are taking the first step on the road to new opportunities.

“You may encounter obstacles, potholes, speed bumps and things that may possibly slow you down or hinder your progress for a moment, use these to help you to identify your weak areas and to better yourself,” he said.

He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity and the programmes that are offered by the NTA.