Grand Bahama Hiring Push Amid Billions In Investment

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – For many Grand Bahamians, the last few decades have been tough. Back-to-back hurricanes, a stalled economy, and failed projects have left some residents feeling hopeless. But now, the momentum is shifting.

From the recent sale of the Grand Lucayan to the upcoming opening of Carnival’s Celebration Key, Grand Bahama is seeing over $3.5 billion in investment across tourism, real estate, energy, and even maritime.

And with it comes something long overdue, jobs.

The Department of Labour’s Public Services Employment Unit teamed up with Disney Cruise Line this week, launching a creative recruitment push modeled after the real estate industry’s “open house” concept.

Princess Flowers – Officer in Charge, Public Services Employment Unit, GB Department of Labour
“Our vision is to provide suitable employment for all, and we are aggressively doing that in Grand Bahama.”

Officer in Charge, Princess Flowers, says they saw a steady stream of job seekers over the two-day event, many of them young and entering the workforce for the first time.

But others are looking for a second job just to make ends meet.

Earlier this year, the department helped fill hundreds of positions at a major job fair.

However, even as people were hired, others left their posts, creating a ripple effect of openings across industries, from entry-level to management.

Princess Flowers – Officer in Charge, Public Services Employment Unit, GB Department of Labour
“Anyone who wants to work can find a job right now here in Grand Bahama.”

But what about those who’ve given up looking?

Flowers says the department is going into communities directly, bringing job fairs to places like Eight Mile Rock and Hunters.

The next one is planned for Saturday, June 21st at the YMCA, and East Grand Bahama is next on their list.

Princess Flowers – Officer in Charge, Public Services Employment Unit, GB Department of Labour
“If you can’t come to us, we’re coming to you.”

And for those still feeling discouraged, the message is simple, don’t let the hard years keep you from showing up now.

Princess Flowers – Officer in Charge, Public Services Employment Unit, GB Department of Labour
“We find challenges sometimes finding persons to fill positions, so that is why we’re more aggressively trying to put on job fairs, the recruitment drive, the open houses.”