Joe, as he is known throughout the island, joined the Shipyard management team 8 years ago to work as a liaison with the unions and to develop an in-house training program. Hand selected by Edward St. George, Joe worked along with his fellow executives Mick Holding and Marylyn Johnson to help foster a professional and a mutually respectful rapport between the local staff and management. Photo: Keenimedia

Freeport, Grand Bahama – The end of 2011 saw the retirement of well-known Freeport resident Joseph Darville from the Grand Bahama Shipyard.  Joe, as he is known throughout the island, joined the Shipyard management team 8 years ago to work as a liaison with the unions and to develop an in-house training program.  

Hand selected by Edward St. George, Joe worked along with his fellow executives Mick Holding and Marylyn Johnson to help foster a professional and a mutually respectful rapport between the local staff and management. “I feel we bridged the gap and helped establish a harmonious relationship between everyone,” said Joe. He went on to add, “that most notable for me was that over the last 3 years, during hard economic times the shipyard maintained their Bahamian employees.  Not laying off one worker – even during non-profit times.  They kept their commitment to their local base of workers.”   

During his tenure he also helped establish the Grand Bahama Shipyard Training Program. This 4-year program takes 8 students a year and offers them paid employment as they train in the classroom and in the yard to work in estimation, technical planning, safety departments and many other shipyard careers.  This year Joe and his team also took on an additional 12 students under the government sponsored training program, which they hope to incorporate into the program after their 52 weeks.  

During Joe Darville's last graduation ceremony his students gave him a farewell plaque and presents. “I am extremely proud of my time at the Grand Bahama Shipyard. I plan to stay in contact with the training program and offer my assistance when they need me," said Darville. "As for me, I am not one to put my feet up, I am invigorated and ready to share the beauty and abundance of life.”

“I really must credit the CEO and the management of the Shipyard for their commitment to this program. They have invested millions in these young Bahamians, “ said Joe.  “We are now working with BTVI to give our students a great academic base, they get first hand on the job training plus they earn a very decent salary.  What I am most proud of is when our kids graduate they can work anywhere in the world – I commend this investment.  This program should be emulated throughout the corporate community because they are making a life long difference for these trainees.”  

Joe is also proud of the social molding the program is also trying to imprint on these young Bahamians.  “Don Forbes, who will now take over the program from me and Reuben Byrd, Senior Vice President at the yard, are fostering the trainees understanding to give back to their community.  They are putting them in charge of collecting food for the needy, building sports centers and teaching them the importance of giving back.”  

During his tenure Joseph "Joe" Darville also helped establish the Grand Bahama Shipyard Training Program. This 4-year program takes 8 students a year and offers them paid employment as they train in the classroom and in the yard to work in estimation, technical planning, safety departments and many other shipyard careers. This year Joe and his team also took on an additional 12 students under the government sponsored training program, which they hope to incorporate into the program after their 52 weeks. “What I am most proud of is when our kids graduate they can work anywhere in the world – I commend this investment," said Joe. "This program should be emulated throughout the corporate community because they are making a life long difference for these trainees.”

What’s next for Joe?  As his life’s work has been counseling and training Joe will recommit to his work with students, couples and return to his therapeutic massage and holistic therapies.  “I am extremely proud of my time at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.  I plan to stay in contact with the training program and offer my assistance when they need me.  As for me, I am not one to put my feet up, I am invigorated and ready to share the beauty and abundance of life.”