FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 7, 2012

Grand Bahamians call for Job Creation On Island

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is disturbed by the Minister of Labour’s feeble attempts to pacify the unemployed masses on Grand Bahama Island. During a recent visit, Minister Dion Foulkes announced that some 60 Grand Bahamians have been employed at the multi billion dollar Bahamar Project in New Providence.

This, however, is merely a drop in the proverbial bucket, as hundreds of qualified Grand Bahamian workers remain without job opportunities as a result of the neglectful policies of Hubert Ingraham and his Free National Movement (FNM) government. The Department of Statistics in its most recent labor force survey revealed that unemployment in Grand Bahama now stands at a staggering 21.2%, an increase of 37.5% in just six months. The report also revealed that discouraged workers or those workers who are no longer looking for work has increased by 42%.

DNA Candidate for East Grand Bahama, Ferline Bridgewater-Thomas says, rather than patting themselves on the back, the Government should be working to attract similar projects for Grand Bahama.

“There should be more focus by the current administration on the creation of jobs on Grand Bahama. Grand Bahama families are being ripped a part as mothers and fathers are forced to seek employment off the island,” she said.

The Party is also concerned about the government’s ability to provide special consideration to these relocated workers, many of whom have to find additional housing arrangements and transportation, as well as funds to commute between islands in addition to meeting the needs of their immediate families.

The recent Unemployment Registration Drive hosted by the DNA in Grand Bahama, attracted hundreds of resumes from skilled Bahamians who are desperately seeking employment. Unfortunately, their best efforts to find work are unfruitful, as a stagnant economic vision and foreign workers deplete most job opportunities.

While the Party is pleased that opportunities have been provided for these 60 individuals, it is simply not enough.

Mrs. Bridgewater-Thomas added, “The government must examine new ways of generating jobs by encouraging development in the outlying East Grand Bahama and West Grand Bahama areas, and develop a closer working relationship with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to encourage such developments within the city of Freeport as well.”