Bahamas News
Department of Labour PCRecruiter Upgrade Training Complete
Bahamas, July 25, 2017 – Nassau – The Bahamas Department of Labour has completed a series of training sessions in preparation for the launch of the upgrade to its local Skills Bank and Recruitment portal. The software was first introduced in 2006, however an update and re-launch of this integral tool in the Department’s recruitment process has occurred and plans to launch to the general public is underway.
The Bahamas Department of Labour continues to respond to the national concern of unemployment by providing access for job seekers and employers alike through this online data portal that will populate data and accordingly match candidates for suitable and available job opportunities. The upgrade is a component of the Ministry of National Security’s “Citizen Security and Justice” Initiative facilitated by a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Mr. A. Robert Farquharson, Director of Labour explained that the PCRecruiter portal provides the convenience for any job seeker or employer to log in to the portal anytime and from any location. Although, he continued, persons who need assistance or may not have access to get online are welcome to stop into any of the Department’s sub offices and sit with an employee of the Public Employment Services (PES) Unit who would be pleased to assist them with registration and navigation through the portal. He emphasized the Department’s commitment to placing Bahamian job seekers in roles they qualify for and desire and assisting employers in matching their job availabilities with the right employees.
Director Farquharson continued that, “The effectiveness of the system is hinged on the registration of job seekers as well as the registration of employers with job opportunities they wish to fill. The inventory of available jobs will be easily accessible once employers enter their job vacancies in the skills bank. The process for employers requires them signing in and editing their registration information; if they have already enrolled in the Skills Bank. For employers across The Bahamas who have not yet registered, they are all encouraged to do so once the portal goes live. They will be able to create or edit job vacancies, view interviews from job seekers or browse the database of job seekers.”
“Job seekers must also register in the online skills bank and thereafter will be able to view job vacancies, post a resume, enquire about jobs and update their account and resume information periodically. Also, there are no fees associated with the use of this service”, stated Mr. Farquharson.
Mrs. Patrenda D. Russell-Brice, Deputy Director of Labour stated that “the Department also welcomes employed individuals wanting to explore their options.” They are encouraged to register their skills and qualifications into the skills database system. Similarly, students or citizens residing abroad who are desirous of returning home and wish to secure employment options in advance are encouraged to register.
She further commented that she is excited to advise that “high schools and other local institutions of higher education, such as the University of The Bahamas, can look forward to teams from the Department’s Public Employment Services Unit scheduling tours and visits to their campuses in order to encourage students preparing to enter the work force to register with the skills bank.”
Bahamians living abroad who are considering returning home and wish to begin seeking employment locally are encouraged to register on the portal as well. The recruitment portal will be available through The Bahamas Government website’s Department of Labour page.
The date of an official launch to the general public will be announced shortly.
Job seekers and employers may visit any Department of Labour sub-office in New Providence or the Family Islands. New Providence locations include Rosetta Street, Robinson Road and Carmichael Road. Family Island locations include Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Exuma, Andros and Bimini.
Defence Headquarters 28 SEP ’23: HMBS P-45 under the command of Chief Petty Officer Acadia Smith
detained a group of Cuban migrants in Cistern Cay, Exuma on September 27, 2023, due to information received from a Good Samaritan vessel in the area that handed them over to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Members of HMBS P-45 retrieved twenty-eight (28) Cuban nationals and transported them to HMBS Coral Harbour in New Providence. All individuals appeared to be in good health and will undergo further processing and assessment by Immigration officials.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage and
appreciates the sharing of information and intelligence provided by the boating community to affect migrants and other unlawful interdictions at sea.
(For additional information, contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our official website at www.rbdf.gov.bs. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and explore our engaging content on our YouTube channel).
RBDF
#BARBADOS (September 26, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) deeply mourns the loss of distinguished Bahamian leader and former chairman of the inter-regional body, Obediah Wilchcombe.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Wilchcombe was serving as Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting
and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Minister Wilchcombe’s family, as well as the government and people of the Bahamas. He was a true champion for the people of the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region,” remarked Kenneth Bryan, CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands.
Chairman Bryan recalled Minister Wilchcombe held the position of CTO Chairman twice (2002-2004 and 2016-2017) while serving as Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, and contributed significantly to the advancement of sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.
Chairman Bryan noted that the CTO plans to honor the life and legacy of “this eminent Bahamian leader” at the organization’s upcoming business meetings and the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Turks and Caicos next month.
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, September 26, 2023 – The Bahamas’ Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe made headlines in a completely unexpected way on Monday September 25; the veteran broadcaster and long-time politician, who passed away suddenly in his home island, Grand Bahama.
Reports to our newsroom were that Wilchcombe was found unresponsive and rushed to the Rand Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Reports say the Minister passed due to heart failure at 64 years old.
The Office of the Prime Minister informed the prime minister would immediately travel to Freeport, Grand Bahama to be with loved ones of his Cabinet colleague.
The office offered this: Expressing condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of Minister Wilchcombe, a true patriot, visionary leader and his cherished friend, the nation’s leader, in his official statement, said he was doing so with the heaviest of hearts.
“Obie’s untimely passing is very shocking and very sad. Even though he has achieved much in his many years of public service, he still had so much more to offer,” Prime Minister Davis said.
The Minister, affectionately called Obie Wilchcombe, was a fierce Member of Parliament who has been serving in politics for about 28 years, starting in 1994, according to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
Not only did he serve as Senator and Cabinet Minister, but he was also the former Minister of Tourism and a National Chairman of the PLP.
“Our party is reeling this morning,” said Minister Fred Mitchell, current PLP National Chairman in a statement, “The party joins in those expressions. We have a deep sense of loss from one we have known over the decades of public life.
On behalf of the PLP, our leader and the entire team, supporters and friends, we can extend condolences to his family.”
Former prime minister and PLP party leader, Rt Hon Perry Christie said, “Obie served with distinction as Minister of Tourism. He was a dedicated servant of the people and a chief steward of our nation’s number one industry for some ten years. Any student of the tourism industry for the period of Obie’s ministerial tenure will be left in no doubt as to the magnitude and importance of his numerous accomplishments in relation to the growth and development of Bahamian tourism.”
In fact, as Tourism Minister, his notable accomplishments, according to party leader and prime minister, Davis included the introduction of sports tourism and the creation of a policy which helped to cement The Bahamas as an ideal film destination; two of the top three films of 2006 were shot in The Bahamas.
Additionally, the late Minister was a sportsman.
Wilchcombe served as former President of the Grand Bahama Basketball Association and the Commonwealth American Football League (CAFL).
His career in journalism is legendary. Having worked with the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas as a reporter, anchorman and eventually taking on leadership roles including Deputy General Manager. At the time of his death, Minister Wilchcombe was holder of the Information and Broadcast portfolios of the Davis Administration.
“This is a very sad occasion for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as you’d be aware one of our Frontline soldiers who would have labored very long in the public service Vineyard had passed, we learned early this morning the Honorable Obie Wilchcombe passed away the free national movement wishes is to extend condolences to his immediate and extended family and to members of the Progressive Liberal Party and to members of the journalism fraternity, having lost someone who has played an integral role in the development of this country,” said Michael Pintard, fellow Grand Bahamian and Leader of the Official Opposition, Free National Movement.
From the region, there is also reflection and condolences. From the Caribbean Tourism Organization: The CTO
deeply mourns the loss of distinguished Bahamian leader and former chairman of the inter-regional body, Obediah Wilchcombe.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Wilchcombe was serving as Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Minister Wilchcombe’s family, as well as the government and people of the Bahamas. He was a true champion for the people of the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region,” remarked Kenneth Bryan, CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands.
“The Premier and Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands sends its condolences to the family, friends, government, and people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the sudden passing of the late Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, MP.
May his soul rest in peace,” said Hon Washington Misick, TCI Premier.
The death of Minister Obediah Wilchcombe is the first; a cabinet minister dying while still in office has no place in recent memory for many. It will mean a by-election for The Bahamas and a mournful experience when parliament reopens on October 4; Hon Wilchcombe with his vast experience and eloquence was also the Government Leader of Business in the House of Assembly, which is currently prorogued.
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