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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Freeport, Bahamas - The recent youth unemployment statistic of 33 percent is a sobering reality which makes training of the local workforce a priority of the administration, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville said August 23.
Dr. Darville was bringing remarks at a Job Opportunities and Training Awareness Day Forum, sponsored by the Total Education Centre in conjunction with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He told the gathering assembled in the convention centre of the Grand Lucayan Resort that because of its geographical location, its modern infrastructure and its deep water harbour, Grand Bahama has become home to a number of industrial, maritime and manufacturing companies that have been thriving, despite the global economic crisis.
“Although these companies presently employ hundreds of persons on Grand Bahama, it is a well-known fact that a large number of foreign nationals on work permits are also employed at these facilities, while many Grand Bahamians remain untrained and are unemployed.
“As part of this administration plan to rescue Grand Bahama, our Charter of Governance clearly outlines our commitment to training and immigration reform.
“Therefore, Grand Bahama, you can rest assure that the Government of The Bahamas and by extension, the Ministry for Grand Bahama, is committed to training Bahamians in the technical and vocational fields and the tourism sector,” he said.
The Member of Parliament for Pineridge added that developing the labour force on Grand Bahama is paramount going forward and both the private and public sectors must work together to put an end to the perception that the Bahamian workforce is outside looking in, while foreign workers are reaping the benefits of a progressive society.
He said executives from his Ministry have taken the initiative to meet individually and collectively with the key players in the industrial sector to determine the employment opportunities that can be made available to Bahamians, and the qualifications and skills required to work within these specialised areas.
Dr. Darville said he was pleased to report that the majority of the industrial partners are willing to help facilitate the training, certification and skills development of the local workforce, using institutions like the Total Education Centre and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
He also advised that a few weeks ago, the Government passed legislation and established the National Training Agency, which will begin functioning in Grand Bahama is just a few short weeks.
He explained that the NTC is not a technical school and will not compete with the Total Education Centre and BTVI, but simply complement both institutions by helping young people and the unemployed to develop many of the soft and professional skills that are lacking in both the service and technical/vocational fields on the island.
Also, he noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has recently enacted policies to ensure that Bahamians have access to employment opportunities first.
“While I fully support these policies it is my belief that in order to decrease the need for foreign labour, and secure much needed employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians going forward, we must create a pool of specialised workers that can meet the demand for labour at the existing and future industrial, and tourist facilities on Grand Bahama, and improve the work ethic of our young people through training,” he said.
He said further the administration is diligently working to diversify the economy, attract both local and direct foreign investment to Grand Bahama and create lucrative and sustainable employment opportunities in the industrial, maritime and tourism sector.
He encouraged the gathering to be active listeners and participants and to explore the many opportunities that are available in the industrial sector, which he described as the engine that has driven the economy of Grand Bahama for the past decade and certainly will be the main engine to carry its economy into the future.
“It will take a united effort to lower the unemployment rate among our youth. Therefore, I wish to thank Mr. Fred Delancey (TEC President) for the role that his organisation has played thus far in the training of Grand Bahamians and implore all residents, business owners and educators to assist us in our efforts to train and position young Bahamians to play a meaningful role in the eventual turnaround of our local economy and by extension the entire country,” he stated.
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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