The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Sandals Royal Bahamian yesterday said it was ‘surprised’ by the turnout of more than 1,000 persons seeking jobs with the resort.

A long queue of applicants could be seen outside the resort property on Cable Beach yesterday. “We had some positions open that we are still trying to get filled, and so we had a job fair,” said Chester Robards, the resort’s public relations manager.

“I cannot say exactly how many positions were open, but there were positions available in areas like housekeeping, food and beverage as well as guest services. There were open positions almost across the board.    

“I don’t think that we expected the amount of people that showed up today. Obviously we are aware that the jobless situation is a bit dire at the moment, but we were very surprised by the amount of people who showed up. I think we had almost 1,000 people who showed up, if not more, lined up in our boardroom and outside our gate.”

 According to the Department of Statistics, the Bahamas’ unemployment rate rose from 14.3 per cent in May 2014 to 15.7 per cent as of November last year.

The survey results further show that youth, aged between 15 and 24, continue to face a considerably higher unemployment rate than any other group. That group’s unemployment rate was 31 per cent, an increase of three per cent from the previous survey, when it was 28 per cent.

Mr  Robards said the all-inclusive resort was currently enjoying ‘strong’ occupancy levels.

“Occupancies right now are very strong. Obviously the cold winter months in the US right now are helping drive some traffic here. We are looking good for the next couple of weeks to two months,” said Mr Robards.