The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister’s assertion that Grand Bahama businesses are struggling to find workers to fill available jobs sparked a sharp exchange with the Opposition’s leaderin Parliament yesterday.

Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, traded words with Michael Pintard as the latter argued that many Grand Bahamians are still searching for work.

While outlining what she described as Grand Bahama's economic resurgence, Mrs Moxey pointed to several major developments, including the MSC cruise port, Carnival’s Celebration Key, the Royal Caribbean Xanadu Beach project, the Grand Bahama Shipyard redevelopment and new healthcare facilities.

She said those investments were translating into employment opportunities. "Just last week I met with Grand Bahama business owners, and they said to me, 'Minister, we have jobs, but we cannot find enough people to fill them.' That is what I call a good problem," said Mrs Moxey. "It is a very different conversation from the one Grand Bahama was having a few years ago."

Mr Pintard immediately disputed the claim, saying MPs representing the island's three Free National Movement-held constituencies maintain lists of residents who remain unemployed. "We have a list of persons who are unemployed," he said.

Mr Pintard questioned whether the businesses Mrs Moxey referenced had been connected with job seekers in Opposition-held constituencies. “If that is the case, she could easily refer them to any of us," he said. "We are following that same experience."

He argued that if employers were genuinely unable to fill vacancies, they should be directed to MPs who regularly hear from constituents seeking work.

Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, intervened to defend the Government's position, saying available vacancies are listed on the Department of Labour's job seekers portal and encouraging unemployed Bahamians to register. She added that her ministry would also be willing to host a job fair in Mr Pintard's Marco City constituency.

When Mr Pintard again questioned whether Mrs Moxey's account accurately reflected conditions in Grand Bahama, the minister briefly dismissed the exchange before resuming her contribution. "It's not a point of order...” Mrs Moxey said.

She then continued her speech, arguing that Grand Bahama's economic progress was reflected not only in investment announcements but also in official indicators, including what she described as the island's lowest unemployment rate in 18 years and a 91 percent increase in visitor arrivals last year.