A wholly-Bahamian owned cigarette and tobacco manufacturer plans to have its growing program on Andros at “full throttle” this summer, a move which is expected to create 50-55 direct and indirect jobs on the island.

Bahamas Cigarette and Tobacco Company (BC&T), which is headed by attorney John Wilson, a partner in Mckinney Bancroft & Hughes, and his business partner Lionel Harris, has already begun its first round of hiring on the heels of a successful job fair.

More than 300 persons showed up for the job fair, which was conducted using a speed interviewing process so that qualified candidates were short-listed on the spot, the company said in a press release.

Bahamas Cigarette and Tobacco Company said that with the first round of hiring having already begun, training is expected to commence on February 3.

The company is looking to employ 20 factory floor workers, including entry level positions such as cigarette rollers, cigarette packers, inventory control as well as forklift and machine maintenance personnel.

Mr Wilson said: “As a fully-owned Bahamian company we are mindful of the struggles and hard economic times facing our Bahamian people, and believe strongly that Bahamians need to invest in the Bahamas and support truly Bahamian businesses and products in order to ensure sustainable economic prosperity”.

Mr Harris added: “We are thrilled to be hiring in this economy. We believe in investing in our community, everyone from our customers to our employees will benefit.”

With the assistance of Grand River Enterprises (GRE), a major Canadian cigarette manufacturer, Bahamas Cigarette and Tobacco Company anticipates having its tobacco growing program on the island of Andros at full throttle by summer.

Mr Wilson said: “We are standing at the threshold of an entirely new industry for the Bahamas. Our arrangement with GRE gives us the resources and expertise needed to fully develop this opportunity in a way which will allow Bahamians to have and retain a significant stake in this potential new industry.

“BC&T has entered into a services and support agreement with GRE, which will additionally enable the company to expand its products and distribution to the wider Caribbean region. In addition to producing a local brand they also have entered into a license agreement with GRE’s Seneca, Putters and DK brands.”