The government continues to work with cruise lines to get more Bahamians working in the cruise industry, Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes said yesterday, explaining that Carnival Cruise Line recently interviewed 50 Bahamians for available positions.
Foulkes, who made the remarks on Guardian Radio talk show Morning Blend, said it is hoped that Carnival will employ at least 250 Bahamians, the same number Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has vowed to employ.
“We have an ongoing relationship with RCI and they have taken on close to 112 Bahamians so far. The goal is to get 250 Bahamians working on their cruise lines,” said Foulkes.
“We also started a relationship with Carnival Cruise Line, where we’re following the same template that we did with RCI.
“They (Carnival) interviewed 50 Bahamians recently for placement on their cruise ships, so we are very hopeful that more Bahamians will take advantage of working on cruise ships.”
Foulkes added that Disney is also looking for Bahamians to work on its cruise line. The company announced earlier this year that it is looking to have an all-Bahamian workforce on its private island.
According to Foulkes, Bahamians have traditionally been reluctant to work aboard cruise lines. He said that aversion is now shifting with the new generation of Bahamians entering the workforce.
“There was a big reluctance among Bahamians to explore cruise ship opportunities,” said Foulkes.
“We are one of the most beautiful and wonderful countries in the world and Bahamians like to stay home… and to leave home and work on a cruise ship is a big psychological challenge for a lot of us.
“But I see that, that is now changing with the younger persons in the job market now, so that’s a very good sign.”
He added that Bahamians are now earning their stripes through the LJM Maritime Academy, in hopes of joining the cruise industry as top ranked officers.
Foulkes mentioned Ivanna Seymour, who recently became the fifth-highest ranking bridge officer in a crew of 1,200 on board RCI’s Navigator of the Seas.
A recent press release about Seymour and her accomplishments revealed that she holds the highest certification earned by a Bahamian female – chief officer unlimited – and she is close to earning her Master Mariner license.
“That’s a wonderful story that has given impetus to other Bahamians now being interested,” said Foulkes.
The post Foulkes: Govt working with cruise lines on jobs for Bahamians appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/foulkes-govt-working-with-cruise-lines-on-jobs-for-bahamians/
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