“Today is a good day.” Says Minister Kwasi Thompson, Deputy Speaker; as he began his charge to the last  graduates of the 52 weeks National Job Programme. “Not only are you leaving with a diploma this evening, but you are also leaving with a paycheck.”

On Friday January 6th 2012, 213 Grand Bahamians graduated from the National Job & Skills Training Initiative. The Graduates undertook two weeks training and received their first paycheck just days before the Christmas holidays.

1,000 of the 3,000 unemployed Bahamians were selected from Grand Bahama to take part in this great initiative. ” This program has made a significant positive impact within our community,” says Minister Thompson. Currently some $208,000.00 per week is being placed back into the pockets of Grand Bahamians.” Deputy Speaker went on to say that there is another positive impact from this program, those businesses that need manpower and cannot afford to pay. The Government of the Bahamas will pay the salaries of some 3,000 participants of the program for a period of 52 weeks.

employment for grand bahamians

Acknowledgement was given to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Right Honorable Hubert Alexander Ingraham for having such a great vision for Bahamians during this economic crisis. This initiative is definitely stimulating the economy of the Bahamas.