More Bahamians are now working claims Labour Minister

Shane Gibson

As of Thursday, December 24, 2015

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A DAY after the latest results of the Department of Statistics' labour survey revealed that the unemployment rate has risen to 14.8 per cent, with more than one in seven Bahamians now out of a job, Labour Minister Shane Gibson claimed the Bahamas has made "tremendous strides since the global recession".

The unemployment rate rise represents a 2.8 per cent increase on the previous survey results in May, owing largely to Baha Mar layoffs, the impact of recent high school graduates joining the labour force and the devastating impact of Hurricane Joaquin.

"The Bahamas has made tremendous strides since the global recession and more Bahamians are in fact working," Mr Gibson said on Thursday. "Freeport and Grand Bahama have improved and the Family Islands, particularly Abaco and Bimini, continue to enjoy sustained economic growth.

"The expansion of the labour force will no doubt continue at a rate of 4,000 to 5,000 persons annually, which demands acceleration in the rate of jobs creation. The government is keenly aware of this dynamic and is satisfied that the pending projects and those in various stages of development and completion will significantly reduce the level of unemployment over the next year.

"Certainly in an environment of a subdued and protracted global economic recovery, the government is pleased with the addition of over 20,000 new jobs and Bahamians to the employment lines since May 2012, but the truth is one Bahamian unemployed is too many. The government continues to express informed optimism in this area."

Baha Mar had long been expected to be a major economic boost to the country, but when numerous delays gave way to a protracted dispute between the resort's developer, its creditors and the government, stakeholders began revising the outlook for the country's economy.

While Prime Minister Perry Christie insists that talks are proceeding with investors looking to take over Baha Mar, he suffers a credibility issue with some Bahamians, having said numerous times over the last year that the conflict at Baha Mar was close to being resolved.

New Providence and Grand Bahama experienced unemployment rate increases of 15.9 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively. Abaco, however, experienced a rate decrease from 12 per cent to 9.7 per cent.

Officials also said that the youth unemployment rate now stands at 30 per cent, nearly five per cent more than the 25.3 per cent recorded in the May survey. The survey noted that young people between 15 to 24 continue to face a considerably higher rate of unemployment than any other group.

“When we did the previous one, the survey was held before graduation,” statistician Cypreanna Winters said. “And so we have to take into account all of the (graduates) coming into the labour force that contributed to the growth in the (youth) unemployment rate.”

Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 12 months ago

The overall unemployment rate is in excess of 30%......it's not just the youth of our country who are willing and able to work but cannot find gainful employment. And about 20% of those who are employed have an annual level of income that falls below the poverty line. We have the corrupt Christie-led PLP government to thank for these dismal but truthful statistics.

GrassRoot 8 years, 12 months ago

he needs to have his head checked out.

TalRussell 8 years, 12 months ago

Minister Shane let me tell you the one statistic steering ya in face that not even you, nor cabinet colleagues will dare attempt paper over.
The vast majority hurting the most out whatever the true run-out-of-paychecks statistics are, not only will 80% plus be assumed be black - but according the 2012 General's voter statistic's, the odds statistically highly favour 48.62% of the faces - did in fact mark their X's to reelect your PLP back to power. Minister Shane, if your PLP party were to suffer a loss of but only 24.31% of these same votes come the 2017 General and their disgruntles does spreads among their families, friends and the people they may influence, you and your cabinet colleagues might soon be on the way become paycheck-less statistics too?
Minister, what is the most singular important flaw, I may have overlooked in my statistically speaking presentation of what may await you and your cabinet colleagues come the 2017 General - if your party remains in power until then?

Tarzan 8 years, 12 months ago

Shane may not know what planet he is on, but at least we can be sure he knows what time it is. After all he still retains that very expensive wrist watch gifted by his now dead "close family friend" who was expressing her gratitude over the expeditious way her residency application was handled.

ThisIsOurs 8 years, 12 months ago

This is so weird. 20,000 jobs?? The PM said Bahamar, (which hasnt materialized "as yet"), would be responsible for 5000 jobs. In light of all the redundancy exercises since 2012, 20,000 new jobs would mean they must have had several Bahamar scale operations opened..interesting

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