pooranscrusader

1 Vote

SP 12 years, 10 months ago on Labour certificates ‘only in extreme circumstances’

Labour certificates ‘only in extreme circumstances’

Labour Minister Shane Gibsons' announcement in the House of Assembly yesterday that the government will only be issuing labour certificates in the “extreme” of circumstances to foreign workers is something we all have been longing to hear for decades!

Mr. Gibson must also consider tying unemployment benefits and NIB to the Department of Labour making it mandatory for any unemployed persons to register with labour before any payments are made.

To avoid abuses of the system unemployed individuals and those seeking assistance from social services should also be made to attend vocational classes in order to prepare themselves with necessary skills to re-enter the work pool with at least two skill sets minimum.

The immediate positive affect will be new jobs for instructors and administrators in areas now dominated by expats at every level of the employment spectrum. In the long term the country will be more self sufficient and productive, leading to higher incomes and better standards of living.

I am at loss to understand why the one year delay for government to stop issuing work permits for maids, housekeepers and labourers. Why not start the policy of denying renewals and not granting work permits where a Bahamian is well equipped to do the job now?

The PLP has been virtually "dead in the water" since taking office and had lost the confidence of even staunch supporters; however, I can say without reservation that the majority of Bahamians across the political divide are excited and in full support of the Government with this sensible, long overdue initiative. Hat’s off to Fred Mitchell for finally getting on the ball with this vexing problem.