The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DOZENS of job seekers lined up from as early as 7am in Freeport yesterday, hoping to secure one of more than 600 positions offered through a hiring drive linked to Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key project.

The job fair, hosted in partnership with Grupo Andersen and the Ministry of Labour and Public Service, marks one of the largest employment opportunities Grand Bahama has seen in years.

By 11am, more than 100 people had already registered for positions in food and beverage service — including cooks, bussers, bartenders, runners, cashiers, stewards, warehouse clerks, and maintenance workers.

“People are coming prepared with necessary documents and are being interviewed on the spot,” said Princess Flowers, officer in charge of the Public Employment Services Unit in Grand Bahama. “We’re quite impressed with the turnout.”

Ms Flowers said the company aims to fill all positions by the end of the month to allow time for training and encouraged even those with no prior experience to apply. The job fair will continue over the next two days, with more departments expected to open beyond food and beverage.

For residents like Emile Jarrett, the job drive is more than just a hiring event — it’s a lifeline.

“It is an exciting opportunity because Freeport has been waiting for something like this for so long,” Mr Jarrett said. “Just knowing that 600 positions are available is amazing. I feel like Freeport needed something like this for a very long time. I am happy that locals are getting the chance to thrive.”

Grupo Andersen is a major international restaurant operator behind brands like Señor Frog’s, Carlos’n Charlie’s, El Squid Roe, and several others. The company has operations in Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the US.

Another applicant, Zaire Clarke, said the scale of opportunity was encouraging: “There are so many different options — not just one area — so it’s really covering a wide range of people and providing work for those who are unemployed.”

Saliah Rolle said she hopes residents don’t miss their chance.

“Today was focused on food and beverage, but tomorrow they will have openings in different departments,” she said. “I encourage people to come out and apply.”

Others remained cautiously optimistic. Donald, a job seeker who previously applied at a similar fair without success, said he hoped this time would be different. “I’m trying to get a supervisor or warehouse runner position,” he said. “My experience today was good.”

Ms Flowers said the government’s partnership with Grupo Andersen is part of a broader effort to restore job growth and stability to Grand Bahama.

“We want to increase employment in Grand Bahama, and this is a great opportunity for those who may have even left the island because of employment,” she said. “This is an opportunity for them to come back home.”

She credited Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle with helping to secure the partnership and emphasised the ministry’s focus on training, access, and equity.

“There is a lot of excitement,” Ms Flowers said. “People are happy for this opportunity, and we are grateful to be part of it.”