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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
HISTORIC MOMENT – Minister for Grand Bahama Hon. Dr. Michael Darville commended the 50 new trainees at the Grand Bahama Shipyard for being the first group of Bahamians in the program and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity being afforded to them. (Photo by Immerse Bahamas)
Freeport, BAHAMAS – Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville on Friday congratulated the newest employees and trainees of the Grand Bahama Shipyard Job Training Program.
The minister told the 49 males and one female that there has long been the cry by the industrial sector and local community to give trained Bahamians opportunities and he pointed out that Prime Minister Perry Christie established the Ministry for Grand Bahama and appointed him minister to give focused attention to the needs of the island and the people.
“One of my ministry’s responsibilities is the creation of employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians. I am elated that over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with private sector partners, to strengthen our local economy and provide jobs and opportunities for Grand Bahamians,” he said.
“More specifically, with the support of your CEO and his passion for people and business development, we have developed this innovative multi-targeted training and employment program at the Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited.”
NEW TRAINEES – Forty-nine males and one female have taken up the challenge as the first group of trainees at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in the new job training program. Grand Bahama Shipyard executives seated from left are Ekeila Sands, Human Resource Manager; Mark Wilson, Resources Manager; Mick Holding,
Consultant; Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville; Linda Turnquest, Vice President of Finance and Administration; and David Skentelbery, Vice President of Commercial.
(Photo by Immerse Bahamas)
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Minister Darville noted the historic significance of the program as the first of its kind in the industrial sector.
“Since it was launched, other industrial partners are expressing interest,” Minister Darville said. “The initiative program is partially funded by the government and, over the next four years, this program will train over 600 Bahamian workers who will eventually replace expat skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers making the Grand Bahama Shipyard a Bahamian majority operated company.”
Cognizant of the many Bahamians, specifically young Bahamians, looking for employment opportunities in the industrial sector, Minister Darville said his ministry and its private sector partners remain committed in their efforts to continue to create more opportunities like those at the Shipyard which ultimately leads to a stronger industrial sector.
The Minister for Grand Bahama left the trainees with a few nuggets of advice.
“You are among the first of hundreds who will have access this training employment opportunity at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, therefore, we are counting on you to set the pace for the others who will follow. We expect you to be competent, to work hard, to show up on time and to do your very best,” he said.
“We encourage you to stay focused with a positive attitude, resist temptation to partake in illegal activities, especially drug use, and make the best of this great opportunity that has been afforded to you by the government and the Grand Bahama Shipyard.”
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