The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - The Democratic National Alliance has launched an Unemployment Registration and Food Assistance Drive on Grand Bahama to assist those struggling to find work and feed their families. Over 100 persons have already registered for assistance in the last two days, according to Ewurabena Appiah, public relations officer for the DNA. Registration is being held at the DNA Headquarters in Freeport in the Millennium Building between 9am and 4pm until Friday, March 2. Persons wishing to register should to bring along a passport, police record, resume and voter's card. Ms Appiah said unemployment, under-employment and an overall lack of opportunities on Grand Bahama have left many unable to provide even the most basic necessities for their families. "The Democratic National Alliance has a comprehensive economic policy focusing on job creation and training opportunities in some of the premier industries; although the party understands that in the interim there is a real need to provide tangible assistance to residents on Grand Bahama Island, who have struggled to keep their heads above water," she said. She said the drive is going well and persons with various skills are coming in to the register for assistance. "Persons seem very pleased to have an opportunity like this being afforded to them and they have been very co-operative as far as bringing documents and providing us the relevant information that we need," she said. "It all boils down to the fact that people need to get back to work, and they want to work and they are willing to take advantage of any opportunity available to them. "We have various persons coming to register; we are seeking a lot of persons who are proficient in office work and skilled workers with construction training," she said. Ms Appiah said the DNA will create a database and liaise with employers looking to place qualified, unemployed potential employees in positions as they become available. She noted that they are also offering care packages to residents in need. "Based on the 'Thy Brothers Keeper' programme founded by DNA leader Branville McCartney in the Bamboo Town constituency, the concept allows other Bahamians to support their fellow man at a time that we need it the most," Ms Appiah said. She said the DNA will hand deliver care packages to each person that registers with them.