The Tribune

STATE Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said investments are on the horizon for Bimini.

Meanwhile, he said, the government is “working hard” to get hotels reopened in Grand Bahama and has also implemented tax concessions to attract activity to the second home market.

“Our belief is that you have to stimulate the private sector – they will create the jobs we need. That is what we are working on,” Mr Halkitis said. “We’re starting to see some proof but the environment remains difficult, and then we are doing some things in terms of the small business sector.

“We need 30,00 to 40,000 jobs and of course, you can put a dent in and hire some people temporarily, but the long-term solution is to try and get these people good, permanent jobs in the private sector.”

The State Minister also said the government is reviewing the 52-week job programme, the details of which will be released shortly.

“We’re looking at it right now,” he said. “(Labour Minister Shane Gibson) and I are sitting down after we finish Cabinet today to try and come up with some recommendations . . . We’re going to sit down and figure out how we can go forward.”

On Monday, Mr Gibson revealed Prime Minister Christie has “already expressed concerns” for Bahamians who did not find permanent or temporary employment at the end of the 52-week job programme and was looking to put forward another job plan.

“He wanted us to try and remedy that as quick as possible and as soon as he is ready with his announcement, he will make that announcement. But suffice it to say, on a case-by-case basis we will be re-introducing a programme to bring those individuals back,” Mr Gibson said.

He also pointed out: “The 52-week programme was designed specifically to be a 52-week programme, not a 52-week programme and beyond. The programme was designed so that individuals could basically be placed throughout the private sector. In some instances, they were placed in the public sector as well. Because, we know how it is – once you hire an individual on a temporary terms in the public service, as far as they are concerned, they should not go home any more. They think they are there until retirement.”