The Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) is pushing Baha Mar developers for a solid commitment to fund a national training programme for local construction workers before the $2.6 billion project commences.
The training programme is a joint venture of the association and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and will allow construction workers to receive the necessary certifications to work on the Baha Mar project, but the BCA has indicated concerns over whether there will be adequate funding provided.
The BCA and BTVI are unable to fund the programme as they operate on membership dues and government subsidies respectively. With almost 500 workers now registered for the training course the BCA is seeking a financial commitment from the developers.
In a paper recently released by the BCA to government and the developers, the BCA states:
“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.”
“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.”
