FREEPORT, The Bahamas – Minister for Housing and the Environment, Kendred Dorsett on September 3 applauded the efforts of Grand Bahama’s two leading oil companies, BORCO and Statoil for their efforts in empowerment of young people.
Mr. Dorsett was in Grand Bahama for the official launch of the Petroleum Products and Measurement Course Pilot Programme, being sponsored by the two oil giants.
The petroleum industry is said to be one of the few striving industries both locally and internationally, and training of young people will be beneficial to the island for career building within the industry and also aid with supplying the industry with knowledgeable applicants.
The two companies hope to introduce the petroleum industry’s career opportunities as a part of secondary level education with training on different facets of the industry.
Twenty-one senior students from the Bishop Michael Eldon High School have been selected for the pilot programme. They will be offered training once weekly with different representatives from the various companies showcasing their field of expertise.
During the official launch at the Pelican Bay Resort, Mr. Dorsett reminded the gathering that the Government, during the last general election campaign, ran on the theme “Believe in The Bahamas.”
“We thought that the time had come for Bahamians to be able to take full advantage of all the opportunities that are available in our country and use those opportunities to empower not only themselves but their families and by extension, their communities.
“We thought that the time had come for more Bahamians to be fully engaged in the big business that takes place right here in our little archipelago on a daily basis. We wanted to make sure that Bahamians of today and tomorrow were prepared for this challenge through training and education, which is why we doubled the nation’s investment in education and training.
“While this government has pledged to and will do its best to make its promise a reality, it is gratifying when corporate entities in the country such as BORCO and Statoil lend a hand in the empowerment of our young people, especially our young people through the implementation of such programmes as this one,” the Minister said.
Continuing, he said that it is for our young people that we work tirelessly to make life a little better and a little easier, so that when the day comes for them to receive the baton and take their places as productive citizens of this nation, they will have all that is necessary to do so successfully.
“They are the ones for whom it is imperative that we do our best today to make sure the road ahead is smoother.
“The institution of the Petroleum Products and Measurement Pilot Programme and programmes like it falls in line with what the current government of The Bahamas wishes to do for young Bahamians. And, that is to prepare them for the jobs of the future by providing them with marketable skills and education.
“This programme as I understand it will equip its participants with basic knowledge of the petroleum industry. It will include various topics among which are containment, shipment, the basic chemistry of petroleum and safety,” he said.
The Environment and Housing Minister also noted that students in the programme will have lectures and field trips to the plants of BORCO and Statoil.
“This is a great opportunity that has been afforded to our young people, especially as the question of oil exploration in The Bahamas looms. As we collectively decide whether or not to explore for oil in The Bahamas, should it happen, the knowledge gained from such a programme as this one will be even more beneficial not only to yourself but to the advancement of our country,” he stated.
Mr. Dorsett pointed out that the petroleum industry has been very lucrative to countries in the world and can provide those with the knowledge and training with very gainful employment.
He said it is an industry that The Bahamas is engaged in though companies such as BORCO and Statoil — two of the largest in the region.
“These companies that are involved in spearheading this programme should be commended for this display of commitment to community through education of the people.
“I hope this programme is long lasting and is hopefully expanded in the years to come, so that many others in the country will be able to take part and benefit from it,” the Minister said.
Also bringing remarks at the launching on Monday was Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald who told those in the petroleum industry on Grand Bahama that their intentions are both noble and impressive and that his Ministry looks forward to them fulfilling their pledge to establish more linkages with schools in Grand Bahama, following the programme.
“Furthermore, we hope that somehow, the experience that the students gain in this programme can be parlayed into a meaningful certification for employment or for credits for college or university. This could be the success story of this relationship,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.
By SIMON LEWIS
Bahamas Information Services
Caption: Minister of Environment and Housing Kendred Dorsett is pictured centre seated along with Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville at the launching of the Petroleum Products and Measurement Course Pilot Programme. Also pictured seated are senior executives from BORCO and Statoil. Standing are the 21 students from Bishop Michael Eldon School selected for the programme along with a few teachers. BMES principal Mrs. Anita Doherty is also pictured seated next to Minister Dorsett who delivered the keynote address.
