The Tribune

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – The Grand Bahama Shipyard has hired three young Bahamian professionals to permanent positions, employing Jeffery DeGregory, Natasha Bethel and Justan Campbell as a junior naval architect and junior planners respectively.

“I am extremely pleased with the local response to the advertised positions…well over 100 resumes were submitted. However, I am even more pleased with the talent of the young Grand Bahamian professionals that have accepted positions here with us,” said Ed Pavey, the Shipyard’s drector of technical and planning.

“We look forward to mentoring each one and providing a path to greater career advancement within our organisation.”

Jeffery DeGregory, who will serve as the new junior naval architect, is a graduate of State University of New York Maritime College with a degree in Naval Architecture.

“After I graduated from college in 2012, my intention was to come home and work,” he said. “The Shipyard was my first preference, because of what I had studied.

“My passion is working in the maritime field. I love dealing with ships and learning everything that is possible to learn about the ships. The fact that the Shipyard is available for me to come home and work in my chosen field is incredible.”

Mr DeGregory added: “I enjoy being home around my family and friends, and not have to worry about what is taking place in my absence, specially after my father died. I always wanted to be there for my mother knowing she was alone.”

Natasha Bethel, who is one of the new junior planners, is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in civil engineering, and is now the first female civil engineer at the yard.

“Even though I attended a college in the United States, I had every intention to return home upon completion of my studies,” she said. “I am proud to be working back home, which allows me to contribute back to my community that has given so much to me.

“I am very excited to be joining the Planning Department. With a background in civil engineering, some of the skills that I have acquired will help with my transition from construction to ship repair and fabrication.”

Justan Campbell is the second of two new junior planners, and is a recent graduate of American InterContinental University with a degree in business administration – project management.

“The Shipyard is seen as one of the best companies to work for, not only

here on the island but within the Bahamas at large. Hence, it was only a dream of mine to gain employment with the GB Shipyard as a junior project planner,” said Mr Campbell.

“Having battled with the decision to return home from Atlanta, Georgia, for months post completion of my bachelor studies; I can truly say that it is a blessing to know that companies are willing to hire young professionals who have met the qualifications needed for open positions within their company.”

The three arrive in addition to the ongoing training programme already established at the Shipyard. It is currently training more than 30 recruits to work on various ship repair services with skills they can use anywhere in the world.

In addition, 12 new recruits have been selected to begin training in the fall. Developing highly-skilled Bahamians through the training programme, and mentoring those who are already skilled, is the preferred option for the GB Shipyard.