The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHA MAR said yesterday that it has received more than 14,000 job applications to-date, a senior executive noting that up to 700 hires would come from its Leadership Development Institute (LDI) initiative.

Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of governmental and external affairs, said yesterday that the mega resort would employ more than 4,000 persons when it opens December 8.

During an interview following the graduation ceremony for 150 members of the LDI’s first graduating class, Mr Sands said all persons who successfully completed the 16-week training programme for men and women between the ages of 16 and 24 were guaranteed a job offer from Baha Mar.

“We have graduated the first 150 persons, and we have two morning classes and two evening classes in session for an additional 300 persons that are currently in training,” Mr Sands explained.

Participants in the programme are taught job readiness, leadership, numeracy and communication skills, and will be offered employment in areas such as food and beverage, housekeeping, cleaning services, grounds maintenance and security.

“Temporary assignments have started and they will continue for some of them until we open on December 8,” said Mr Sands.

“Additional persons interest in employment at Baha Mar can apply through the normal channels, and we have in excess of 14,000 applications that we are processing through that avenue as well.”

Mr Sands said the LDI would funnel up to 700 new hires throughout the Baha Mar hotels. At present, there are close to 4,500 persons working on the construction site, with two-thirds of them expatriates.