Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: GBPA’s CCEI Program Supporting Growth for ICT/BPO Sector
#Freeport, GB, September 17, 2018 – Bahamas – As Grand Bahama students head back to school, high school seniors will have more and new options to prepare themselves for the workplace, within the island’s growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. Although Grand Bahama 
is a new and small player within this multi-billion-dollar industry; executives at The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), say that Freeport is ready to capture a greater share of the consistent growth and investments occurring within this burgeoning sector.
A little over two years ago, GBPA and partners, itelBPO Solutions, established the Contact Center Education Initiative (CCEI), and to-date more than 1000 students have completed the program. Whilst it was initially intended to serve the newly established ICT industry; skills gained have allowed graduates to easily assimilate into any professional environment.
GBPA president, Ian Rolle explains “We’re very pleased with the results of the CCEI program thus far, and appreciate its focus on equipping graduates with meaningful skills that are essential in building this high growth sector. By virtue of the recent branding of Grand Bahama, as the nation’s Tech Hub, prospective companies will have natural expectations regarding our offerings and basic amenities, such as existing infrastructure (both hard and soft), and developed human capital with key skillsets to support this claim. If Grand Bahama is to be competitive, it must strive to become best in class in all of these areas. The CCEI initiative was a deliberate effort to address the key issue of skills development, and help to position Grand Bahama as an attractive location for nearshore operations,” Rolle added.
Students going into the CCEI program can expect more Marketing and e-Commerce related courses including, E-Commerce – Intro. to Internet Marketing Strategies for Businesses; Diploma in E-Business and Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses. These will complement existing diploma courses in Customer Service, Introduction to Sales Management and Leadership Skills in Business.
Recent statistics released by the Site Selection Group for 2017, highlighted an increase of nearly 16,500 jobs in the Call Center industry for Latin America and the Caribbean region. Jamaica and Costa Rica accounted for the lion’s share of that increase. Leading activities included BPO Services, Financial Services, and Telecommunications, followed by Retail Services.
Sr. Manager of Business Development for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama, Derek Newbold, explained that Freeport has seen year on year growth within the BPO sector since GBPA attracted the nation’s 1st stand-alone operator 3 years ago.
“Freeport continues to experience steady growth across the BPO sector. We expect this trend to continue as more global companies look to set-up nearshore operations,” Newbold stated. “Since establishing operations in 2015, itelBPO Solutions has consistently increased its headcount and has recently expanded into a new facility to accommodate this growth.”
“For many third-party players the need for referenceability is key, in order to validate that a delivery point has what it takes to perform front-office BPO functions. In the case of Grand Bahama, these providers come in the form of itelBPO and the newly launched GIBC Digital.
The number of locations for delivery of English-language services has never been as varied as it is today. Jurisdictions offer prospective investors different attributes, and in the case of Grand Bahama the focus is clearly on quality. Grand Bahama provides stability, investor support and accessibility, alongside a pragmatic focus that we have placed on developing and growing the ICT Sector. It is likely that as providers and their clients look for locations from which value-add services can be delivered, this jurisdiction will gain more prominence in the global outsourcing discussion.,” Newbold concluded.
Release: GBPA
Photo Captions:
Header: A little over two years ago, GBPA and partners, itelBPO Solutions, established the Contact Center Education Initiative (CCEI). To-date more than 1000 students have successfully completed the program. Pictured are BMES students, who were the first to access the online learning platform; they continue to produce some of the most outstanding students with exceptional score ratings.
Insert: Since establishing operations in 2015, itelBPO Solutions has consistently increased its headcount and has recently expanded into a new facility to accommodate this growth. Image: itelbpo headquarters Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News5 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News5 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News5 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays