LDI students receive their first pay cheques from Baha Mar

Nassau, Bahamas - On June 20th students who graduated from the inaugural class of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) received their first pay cheques from Baha Mar.

As part of their 16-week training, students in the day and evening classes of LDI received holistic training in technical, leadership, job-readiness and life skills – including proper money management.

LDI’s day class president, 21-year-old Dominique Moss said he has found this skill of properly managing his money, and saving, essential.

“We have to save for a rainy day, that’s what we learnt. I have to take care of myself so even though I may want something, I now have to prioritize what I need when compared to what I want,” he said.

For 18-year-old D’Allan Brice, this will be the first pay cheque he has ever received.

“This is the first time this is happening to me so I plan to put all of it in the bank,” he said. “In our numeracy and money management classes we were taught about dead investments and I just don’t want to waste what I’ve worked so hard for.”

Raynaldo Rolle, 24, also shared the same view.

“Eighteen months ago I had tons of money and I honestly can’t tell you where it went,” he said. “LDI taught us about record keeping and being mindful of spending carelessly. So for example instead of buying fast food every day, I will purchase a couple pounds of meat that will last me for the entire week.”

Baha Mar’s HR Project Executive, Debbie DeMars said she is very proud that the students continue to draw on their LDI training and have remained committed to Baha Mar’s high standards.

“I am overjoyed with pride right now,” she said. “The pride of knowing what they’ve accomplished is somewhat overwhelming. We even had some of the students who volunteered to stay overtime to complete some rooms that needed painting and so forth; so they’re excited about being here and the team is committed to helping them continue their journey to full employment at Baha Mar.”

All of the students have been given job offers at the $3.5 billion luxury gaming resort scheduled to open in December. These jobs include bar porters, bell attendants, cooks, kitchen apprentices, dealers, front desk, guestroom, public area and pool attendants, security, servers, and valets among other positions.

Baha Mar’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Pusateri said, “LDI is an important part of our ongoing training and recruitment efforts. I am glad that these students are well on their way to becoming productive employ ees of Baha Mar and we can reward them for the hard work they have done thus far.”

For additional information and to download applications to the LDI program, please visit www.facebook.com/ LDIBahaMar .