The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey urged 11 newly certified National Training Agency graduates to prepare for jobs and business opportunities she said will flow from $3.5bn in investment on Grand Bahama, arguing the island’s economic future depends on building a skilled workforce.

Addressing the agency’s Cohort 20 graduation ceremony at Pelican Bay Resort, Ms Moxey said Grand Bahama is being positioned for major growth in maritime and logistics, events and entertainment, and innovation.

She said the island’s economic transformation will create significant employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and challenged graduates to take advantage of what she described as a changing economic landscape.

“We are on the move. Things are happening, and the opportunities for you are enormous,” she said. “It can be a job opportunity; it can be a springboard entrepreneurial opportunity.”

Ms Moxey said the graduates entered the National Training Agency as “seekers of opportunity” but were leaving as “qualified, certified assets” after completing mandatory workshops and practical skills training.

“This graduation is not a routine ceremony. It is an active launching pad,” she said. “You did the heavy lifting and earned the right to command the arena.”

Ms Moxey said Grand Bahama is being developed as the country’s hub for maritime and logistics, events and entertainment, and innovation. She said the island is positioning itself to attract global investment while encouraging technology-driven solutions.

She said the development of a Young Innovators Club and the government’s Innovate242 initiative are intended to make Grand Bahama a testing ground for innovative solutions and help establish The Bahamas as the Caribbean’s centre for innovation.

She urged the graduates to show professionalism, a strong work ethic and good customer service as they enter the workforce or pursue business opportunities.