Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Labour Statistics Indicate a Decrease in GB’s Unemployment Numbers
#Freeport, January 25, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson said Grand Bahama showed a decrease in the unemployment rate from 12.4 per cent to 11.9 per cent.
“It is the first time since 2008, the year which we commonly refer to as the modern day Great Recession that the employment rate decreased below 12 per cent,” Minister Thompson said.
The Minister was responding to the Department of Statistics’ preliminary Labour Force Survey, which was recently released. The Survey was an indication of employment numbers between May 2018 and November 2018.
During a press conference on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, in the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister Thompson said it was important to highlight that the number of discouraged workers in Grand Bahama also fell to a rate of 9.8 per cent.
Discouraged workers, according to the standard definition of the International Labour Organization, are persons without work and available for work, yet were not actively seeking work because they are not hopeful about their prospects of finding work.
“This is a good indication that not only are more people finding employment, but more people are hopeful of finding employment,” said Minister Thompson. “These are two very good results for Grand Bahama.
“The Labour force survey also showed that in Grand Bahama the number of employed persons in November 2018 was 28,810 which is an increase of 845 more people recorded employed since May of 2018 and an increase of 2,650 more people employed since May 2017.”
Minister Thompson noted that in Grand Bahama, the Minnis-led Administration has been focused on encouraging private sector growth, building a new tech industry, rebuilding and promoting the island’s tourism brand, supporting its strong and growing industrial sector, assisting small business development, continuing and expanding government capital projects, and encouraging foreign direct investment in Grand Bahama.
He added that the survey also included an overall increase in self-employed persons and the Government has injected almost $400,000 into the economy in GB through the Government’s small business grant program which we know has seen new businesses developed and expanded.
Minister Thompson said that it should also be noted that preserving the operation of Grand Lucayan was also significant in ensuring that the island’s major tourism property was stabilized and is now being made ready for re-
development.
He said the Government is also looking forward to major foreign direct investments taking full shape this year.
“While this news is encouraging I caution that we will not be satisfied until we see full restoration of our economy,” said Minister Thompson. “Yes, unemployment of 11.9 per cent is a tremendous improvement from the 21 per cent in 2011, but we can and must do even better.
“We are therefore motivated to work even harder. We also recognize that while the numbers show that generally things are getting better, we know things are not getting better for everyone. We all have a lot more work to do until we fulfil Grand Bahama’s true potential.
“We remain grateful to God, and the people of Grand Bahama for their strength and dedication.”
By: Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson (left) gave the media a breakdown of the upside of the recent Labour Report, which was released by the Department of Statistics. Also pictured is Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Harcourt Brown.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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.”
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