The Bahamas reaffirms commitment to gender equality and advancement of women
tribune242
EVEN while lauding progress on gender equity in education and employment opportunities, Minister of State for Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner said that with the rapid advancement in information and communication technology (lCT) shaping the global environment, there is still much work to do in the Bahamas to increase the level of participation by women and girls in the fields of education, training, science and technology.
Mrs. Turner was addressing the 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which convened at the UN under the theme "access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including for the promotion of women's equal access to full employment and decent work." During her address, Mrs. Turner reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of The Bahamas to globally recognized goals for access for women and girls to education and employment and urged the elimination of gender barriers in order to empower women and girls to fully participate in the scientific and technical global environment.
The minister said that the Educational and Employment Acts of The Bahamas ensure equal educational rights for boys and girls and full employment and decent work for men and women.
"Increasingly girls are pursuing subjects that have traditionally been regarded as 'male' subjects in response to the changing demands of the local labour market," she reported.
"One of The Bahamas' success stories in promoting non-traditional educational training and employment opportunities for young people is the establishment of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), which has seen greater numbers of females seeking careers in agriculture, construction engineering, electronics, and automotive and electrical engineering and technology."
Mrs. Turner also pointed out that a significant number of women currently hold high-level administrative and faculty positions throughout the educational system of The Bahamas, including several leading associate and assistant professors in the natural sciences and environmental studies and some who have served as Chair of the Natural Sciences Division at the College of The Bahamas.
"While these are notable achievements, I am well aware that this is not enough," the minister said. "With the rapid advancement in information and communication technology (lCT) shaping the global environment, we still have much work to do in The Bahamas to increase women and girls participation in the field of education, training, science and technology. An overwhelming number of female graduates are still inclined to pursue careers in the humanities, social sciences, and judicial fields."
February 28, 2011
tribune242
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label BTVI Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BTVI Bahamas. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Baha Mar Chairman and CEO Sarkis Izmirlian Allays Foreign Worker Fears
Baha Mar Chief Allays Foreign Worker Fears
By IANTHIA SMITH
Clearing the air on the foreign labour component of his multi-billion dollar proposed hotel project, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO Sarkis Izmirlian claimed the situation is not as bad as it looks, as thousands of Chinese workers will not be in the country long.
In fact, Mr. Izmirlian said the whole labour issue surrounding Baha Mar has been totally misconstrued.
"It’s true that at the peak of construction we are going to have about 4,950 expat workers in The Bahamas, but that is only for a period of six months," he explained when he appeared as a guest on the Love 97/JCN weekly talk show "Jones and Co with host Wendall Jones on Sunday.
"Construction [will last for] four years. During the four years, the average number of expat workers is only going to be 1,700. So it is much lower than the numbers that are being put out there. But the best part is when construction is over and the expats go home, we are going to create 6,500 full-time high paying Bahamian jobs."
Initial reports indicated that the Chinese government proposed to hire 3,300 Bahamians during the construction phase of the Cable Beach project and 5,000 to 8,000 Chinese workers.
Government officials said this translates into five Chinese workers to every three Bahamian workers.
Recently commenting on the disparity, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said never has any government policy allowed a ratio of non-Bahamian to Bahamian workers on construction projects of this magnitude.
But according to Mr. Izmirlian, the plan is to create 4,000 Bahamian jobs during construction.
"When you compare the number of expats, the number of Bahamian jobs and the economic impact during construction it is really as not as it has been described in the press," he said.
The government is expected to bring a resolution to parliament tomorrow to determine the number of Chinese labourers required for the project, a move former Cabinet minister Pierre Dupuch calls "illegal."
He claims it usurps the constitutional power given to the government.
But the number of Chinese labourers is not the only issue Baha Mar officials face.
Whether the project moves ahead is contingent on Baha Mar resolving its debt with Scotiabank.
Baha Mar owes the bank some $200 million.
On Sunday, Mr. Izmirlian moved to allay any fears of his company’s inability to satisfy the debt.
"We’re committed to finding a solution with the bank. We are committed to moving this project forward for me, my family and for the benefit of The Bahamas. I don’t see that as a hindrance," he said.
"Again, it takes a little bit of time, but I think we’ve reached a point where we are ready. The government is ready to bring this to parliament. We’re ready to start construction, so hopefully over the next few weeks, we should be done."
When asked if he thinks the project has become political, Mr. Izmirlian said, "any project of this size would be."
"I hope that we can put the politics behind us because to me the message from the Bahamian people is loud and clear – they want to move on. They need jobs. The country needs it," he said.
"I can’t think of a downside to this project. It’s great to create a small hotel here in The Bahamas, but when you have this level of unemployment, this many children coming out of school each year, you need a big bang. You don’t need a promise of the future. You need it today."
Officials from the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas (NCTUB) recently threw their support behind the development, claiming they are satisfied the controversial project is in the country’s best interest.
NCTUB President John Pinder said his union also supports the number of foreign workers being drafted as, "we do not have the skill set to do this project on our own."
Mr. Izmirlian accepts that more training is needed.
In fact, he said very early after construction starts, Baha Mar will work with the various unions, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and other schools to train Bahamians.
"We need to give them the skills so that when the hotel opens, they are ready to start," he said.
"It’s going to be a challenge to train people, but our goal is to train, train and train."
Baha Mar is projected to generate almost $15 billion in GDP, with more than 8,100 direct and indirect jobs, totaling in excess of $7 billion in wages over a 20-year period.
September 7th, 2010
jonesbahamas
By IANTHIA SMITH
Clearing the air on the foreign labour component of his multi-billion dollar proposed hotel project, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO Sarkis Izmirlian claimed the situation is not as bad as it looks, as thousands of Chinese workers will not be in the country long.
In fact, Mr. Izmirlian said the whole labour issue surrounding Baha Mar has been totally misconstrued.
"It’s true that at the peak of construction we are going to have about 4,950 expat workers in The Bahamas, but that is only for a period of six months," he explained when he appeared as a guest on the Love 97/JCN weekly talk show "Jones and Co with host Wendall Jones on Sunday.
"Construction [will last for] four years. During the four years, the average number of expat workers is only going to be 1,700. So it is much lower than the numbers that are being put out there. But the best part is when construction is over and the expats go home, we are going to create 6,500 full-time high paying Bahamian jobs."
Initial reports indicated that the Chinese government proposed to hire 3,300 Bahamians during the construction phase of the Cable Beach project and 5,000 to 8,000 Chinese workers.
Government officials said this translates into five Chinese workers to every three Bahamian workers.
Recently commenting on the disparity, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said never has any government policy allowed a ratio of non-Bahamian to Bahamian workers on construction projects of this magnitude.
But according to Mr. Izmirlian, the plan is to create 4,000 Bahamian jobs during construction.
"When you compare the number of expats, the number of Bahamian jobs and the economic impact during construction it is really as not as it has been described in the press," he said.
The government is expected to bring a resolution to parliament tomorrow to determine the number of Chinese labourers required for the project, a move former Cabinet minister Pierre Dupuch calls "illegal."
He claims it usurps the constitutional power given to the government.
But the number of Chinese labourers is not the only issue Baha Mar officials face.
Whether the project moves ahead is contingent on Baha Mar resolving its debt with Scotiabank.
Baha Mar owes the bank some $200 million.
On Sunday, Mr. Izmirlian moved to allay any fears of his company’s inability to satisfy the debt.
"We’re committed to finding a solution with the bank. We are committed to moving this project forward for me, my family and for the benefit of The Bahamas. I don’t see that as a hindrance," he said.
"Again, it takes a little bit of time, but I think we’ve reached a point where we are ready. The government is ready to bring this to parliament. We’re ready to start construction, so hopefully over the next few weeks, we should be done."
When asked if he thinks the project has become political, Mr. Izmirlian said, "any project of this size would be."
"I hope that we can put the politics behind us because to me the message from the Bahamian people is loud and clear – they want to move on. They need jobs. The country needs it," he said.
"I can’t think of a downside to this project. It’s great to create a small hotel here in The Bahamas, but when you have this level of unemployment, this many children coming out of school each year, you need a big bang. You don’t need a promise of the future. You need it today."
Officials from the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas (NCTUB) recently threw their support behind the development, claiming they are satisfied the controversial project is in the country’s best interest.
NCTUB President John Pinder said his union also supports the number of foreign workers being drafted as, "we do not have the skill set to do this project on our own."
Mr. Izmirlian accepts that more training is needed.
In fact, he said very early after construction starts, Baha Mar will work with the various unions, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and other schools to train Bahamians.
"We need to give them the skills so that when the hotel opens, they are ready to start," he said.
"It’s going to be a challenge to train people, but our goal is to train, train and train."
Baha Mar is projected to generate almost $15 billion in GDP, with more than 8,100 direct and indirect jobs, totaling in excess of $7 billion in wages over a 20-year period.
September 7th, 2010
jonesbahamas
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Bahamian Contractors' Association fears inadequate funding for a national training programme to certify Bahamian construction workers for jobs on the Baha Mar project
Funding fears over Baha Mar construction training
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamian Contractors' Association fears that a national training programme needed to certify construction workers for employment on the Baha Mar development will be impeded by inadequate funding.
The organisation is calling for a tangible commitment from the developers before work begins on the $2.6 billion Cable Beach redevelopment to fund the training programme - a joint venture of the association and trade school BTVI.
"While they (Baha Mar) appear to be genuinely interested in both the short and long term success of the project and the country, they have informed us that presently there is no funding allocated for any training of construction personnel," according to the BCA's position paper on the project, which was recently given to government and the developers.
"We find the fact that a $2.6 billion project is proceeding with no training programme, or responsibility for one, incomprehensible. They have assured us that under their Heads of Agreement (with the government) there is apparently no stipulation for this critical and necessary component," said the BCA, in part.
As a non-profit organisation that operates primarily on membership dues, the BCA cannot fund the initiative at BTVI, an institution that relies on government subsidies. So far, nearly 500 tradesmen and contractors have registered for enrolment at BTVI's training programme.
"One of the possibilities we have discussed with Baha Mar is collecting a percentage of every contract awarded to be allocated for the training of Bahamian workers."
The Baha Mar project has yet to be formally approved by government. A labour resolution on the thousands of work permits the developers are seeking in Chinese labour will be brought to Parliament next week.
The peak period for Baha Mar's construction is between month 24 and month 36 of the project, and at that time there also will be more than 2,500 Bahamian construction workers employed.
Total employment at the peak of the project will be close to 7,500 foreign and Bahamian workers. The China Export-Import Bank and China State Construction are Baha Mar's financing and equity/project manager partners.
September 04, 2010
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamian Contractors' Association fears that a national training programme needed to certify construction workers for employment on the Baha Mar development will be impeded by inadequate funding.
The organisation is calling for a tangible commitment from the developers before work begins on the $2.6 billion Cable Beach redevelopment to fund the training programme - a joint venture of the association and trade school BTVI.
"While they (Baha Mar) appear to be genuinely interested in both the short and long term success of the project and the country, they have informed us that presently there is no funding allocated for any training of construction personnel," according to the BCA's position paper on the project, which was recently given to government and the developers.
"We find the fact that a $2.6 billion project is proceeding with no training programme, or responsibility for one, incomprehensible. They have assured us that under their Heads of Agreement (with the government) there is apparently no stipulation for this critical and necessary component," said the BCA, in part.
As a non-profit organisation that operates primarily on membership dues, the BCA cannot fund the initiative at BTVI, an institution that relies on government subsidies. So far, nearly 500 tradesmen and contractors have registered for enrolment at BTVI's training programme.
"One of the possibilities we have discussed with Baha Mar is collecting a percentage of every contract awarded to be allocated for the training of Bahamian workers."
The Baha Mar project has yet to be formally approved by government. A labour resolution on the thousands of work permits the developers are seeking in Chinese labour will be brought to Parliament next week.
The peak period for Baha Mar's construction is between month 24 and month 36 of the project, and at that time there also will be more than 2,500 Bahamian construction workers employed.
Total employment at the peak of the project will be close to 7,500 foreign and Bahamian workers. The China Export-Import Bank and China State Construction are Baha Mar's financing and equity/project manager partners.
September 04, 2010
tribune242
Sunday, July 11, 2010
3,000 high school graduates estimated to have entered the workforce this month without the basic literacy and numeracy skills
3,000 graduates 'lack literacy & math skills'
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
AROUND 3,000 high school graduates estimated to have entered the workforce this month may be doing so without the basic literacy and numeracy skills required for further education.
Estimates based on the Ministry of Education's 2008 statistics predict around 40 per cent of 5,000 graduates from public and private schools will continue their studies at the College of the Bahamas (COB), Bahamas Vocational and Technical Institute (BTVI) or at colleges and universities abroad.
Around 20 per cent of government school leavers are thought to continue with their education after high school, while the remaining 80 per cent either choose not to enroll in tertiary education or lack the basic literacy and numeracy skills required, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Elma Garraway said.
Education department statistics show 41.6 per cent of around 5,000 graduates went on to tertiary education in 2008, and it is estimated this year's figures will be similar.
Mrs Garraway said many government school graduates who may want to continue their studies at COB, or develop practical job skills at BTVI, are often held back by a low level of literacy and mathematics.
"Those students who would normally go to BTVI because they are skilled can't go if they do not have that level of numeracy and literacy required, because all of the institutions require a certain level of reading and comprehension," said Mrs Garraway.
"If people are not reading it impacts their ability to solve a problem because it determines how wide your array of knowledge is to help them understand a problem.
"And it places a restriction on the numbers that go to BTVI and participate in the certification courses."
Schools are now working hard to improve students' basic literacy and numeracy skills before they graduate so they can have the option of going on to further education, Mrs Garraway said.
The computer programme "Autoskills" has been launched throughout government schools for students to practice English and mathematics in their own time.
And CV Bethel has launched another computer programme named "Novanet" to help students with language and math skills.
But high school students could also do with a little encouragement from parents, the said Mrs Garraway.
"Even by just reading the newspaper with your child, and expanding their knowledge will help," she said.
"If you start when they are young they will go on to read and gather knowledge so they will not be leaving school in this position.
"It's such a pity when this should be known from primary school level, and with the parenting and directive intervention they should have no problem in developing that.
"Too many parents abandon the children once they reach seventh, eighth or ninth grade, and we need to keep the parents engaged with students."
Parents who do not have the time to spend reading with their children or helping them develop essential job skills should take advantage of after-school programmes and summer vacation programmes orchestrated by the Ministry of Education, urban renewal associations or churches, youth and community groups, Mrs Garraway said.
Those who have graduated without the literacy and numeracy skills they need - can enroll in specialist catchment programmes at BTVI.
July 10, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
AROUND 3,000 high school graduates estimated to have entered the workforce this month may be doing so without the basic literacy and numeracy skills required for further education.
Estimates based on the Ministry of Education's 2008 statistics predict around 40 per cent of 5,000 graduates from public and private schools will continue their studies at the College of the Bahamas (COB), Bahamas Vocational and Technical Institute (BTVI) or at colleges and universities abroad.
Around 20 per cent of government school leavers are thought to continue with their education after high school, while the remaining 80 per cent either choose not to enroll in tertiary education or lack the basic literacy and numeracy skills required, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Elma Garraway said.
Education department statistics show 41.6 per cent of around 5,000 graduates went on to tertiary education in 2008, and it is estimated this year's figures will be similar.
Mrs Garraway said many government school graduates who may want to continue their studies at COB, or develop practical job skills at BTVI, are often held back by a low level of literacy and mathematics.
"Those students who would normally go to BTVI because they are skilled can't go if they do not have that level of numeracy and literacy required, because all of the institutions require a certain level of reading and comprehension," said Mrs Garraway.
"If people are not reading it impacts their ability to solve a problem because it determines how wide your array of knowledge is to help them understand a problem.
"And it places a restriction on the numbers that go to BTVI and participate in the certification courses."
Schools are now working hard to improve students' basic literacy and numeracy skills before they graduate so they can have the option of going on to further education, Mrs Garraway said.
The computer programme "Autoskills" has been launched throughout government schools for students to practice English and mathematics in their own time.
And CV Bethel has launched another computer programme named "Novanet" to help students with language and math skills.
But high school students could also do with a little encouragement from parents, the said Mrs Garraway.
"Even by just reading the newspaper with your child, and expanding their knowledge will help," she said.
"If you start when they are young they will go on to read and gather knowledge so they will not be leaving school in this position.
"It's such a pity when this should be known from primary school level, and with the parenting and directive intervention they should have no problem in developing that.
"Too many parents abandon the children once they reach seventh, eighth or ninth grade, and we need to keep the parents engaged with students."
Parents who do not have the time to spend reading with their children or helping them develop essential job skills should take advantage of after-school programmes and summer vacation programmes orchestrated by the Ministry of Education, urban renewal associations or churches, youth and community groups, Mrs Garraway said.
Those who have graduated without the literacy and numeracy skills they need - can enroll in specialist catchment programmes at BTVI.
July 10, 2010
tribune242
Friday, May 7, 2010
Bahamians Should Be Concern About Lost Opportunities because of the country’s unqualified workforce says Senator Michael Pintard
Bahamians Should Be Concern About Lost Opportunities
BY KENDENO N. KNOWLES:
Bahamians should be concerned about the number of job opportunities being lost because of the country’s unqualified workforce, according to Free National Movement (FNM) Senator Michael Pintard.
He was making his contribution to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) Bill debate in the upper chamber yesterday.
The senator said foreigners are constantly being brought in to take on thousands of local job opportunities – something he says Bahamians should be concerned about.
Mr. Pintard was referring to the 5,000 plus Chinese workers that Baha Mar Resort is planning to bring in for construction on the mega luxury resort property.
"It is with some distress that I heard recently the intention of one of the developments in The Bahamas to import a large number of foreign workers," Mr. Pintard said.
Baha Mar officials recently confirmed that the Chinese workers were being brought into the country in stages to carry out specialty work, which executives claim Bahamian workers are unable to carry out.
"At the time when Atlantis was in its early stages of its development the identical statement was made, which I also heard recently. [That statement by developers of the new resort property] pointed to the fact that there were not enough qualified Bahamians to populate the various positions," Mr. Pintard said.
"If this is the case then all of us have good reason to be concerned because the development pattern of this country is such that we must have seen additional developments such as the one coming on stream."
He questioned why there has not been anything done in order to prepare Bahamians to take advantage of these opportunities.
"I recall quite distinctly drywall courses being offered at BTVI in conjunction with Atlantis to create a cadre of workers in order to take advantage of the opportunity and any other subsequent opportunities," he said.
"Again, it is crucial that we never find ourselves in a similar position in the future. It is my hope that in the execution of what emerges from this bill that we put ourselves in a position where we carefully assess the emerging needs on the horizon in order to prepare our population to be the chief benefactor of these opportunities. BTVI must also continue to deepen its relationship with industry partners locally, nationally and internationally. Luckily this wonderful bill speaks specifically to this issue."
He continued: "It is important for us to train persons to populate all fields in technical and vocational areas, including the fields that others are claiming we do not have the requisite skills."
May 6, 2010
jonesbahamas
BY KENDENO N. KNOWLES:
Bahamians should be concerned about the number of job opportunities being lost because of the country’s unqualified workforce, according to Free National Movement (FNM) Senator Michael Pintard.
He was making his contribution to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) Bill debate in the upper chamber yesterday.
The senator said foreigners are constantly being brought in to take on thousands of local job opportunities – something he says Bahamians should be concerned about.
Mr. Pintard was referring to the 5,000 plus Chinese workers that Baha Mar Resort is planning to bring in for construction on the mega luxury resort property.
"It is with some distress that I heard recently the intention of one of the developments in The Bahamas to import a large number of foreign workers," Mr. Pintard said.
Baha Mar officials recently confirmed that the Chinese workers were being brought into the country in stages to carry out specialty work, which executives claim Bahamian workers are unable to carry out.
"At the time when Atlantis was in its early stages of its development the identical statement was made, which I also heard recently. [That statement by developers of the new resort property] pointed to the fact that there were not enough qualified Bahamians to populate the various positions," Mr. Pintard said.
"If this is the case then all of us have good reason to be concerned because the development pattern of this country is such that we must have seen additional developments such as the one coming on stream."
He questioned why there has not been anything done in order to prepare Bahamians to take advantage of these opportunities.
"I recall quite distinctly drywall courses being offered at BTVI in conjunction with Atlantis to create a cadre of workers in order to take advantage of the opportunity and any other subsequent opportunities," he said.
"Again, it is crucial that we never find ourselves in a similar position in the future. It is my hope that in the execution of what emerges from this bill that we put ourselves in a position where we carefully assess the emerging needs on the horizon in order to prepare our population to be the chief benefactor of these opportunities. BTVI must also continue to deepen its relationship with industry partners locally, nationally and internationally. Luckily this wonderful bill speaks specifically to this issue."
He continued: "It is important for us to train persons to populate all fields in technical and vocational areas, including the fields that others are claiming we do not have the requisite skills."
May 6, 2010
jonesbahamas
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