Resorts World says it hired dozens of Biminites following a Career Fair held on the island last Wednesday.

The developer’s director of human resources, Dave Winslow, said: “We have a number of positions in the existing operation that are vacant, and we are looking to hire persons ahead of time in preparation for the opening of the jetty and hotel, so they can be fully trained to invite the many more guests that are going to come to our resort.

“We thought this would be a great opportunity to invite Biminites to preview the jobs available, so we set this up so we could hire folks right on the spot. The quality of the persons that are coming are high calibre professionals, and we are welcoming many of them on to our team.”

Present at the Career Fair was Bimini’s local government chief councillor, Lloyd Edgecombe, who said: “I am seeing a lot of new faces of people trying to get into the job market, people who I never thought would be a part of this.

“The entire community is excited about what Resorts World is doing in Bimini. I see a lot of young people from the community who are excited and ready to get to work. I see a lot of young women here with young children to feed. This is putting money into people’s pocket. This is important to us as Biminites. This is only the beginning of what’s to come.”

Community activist Vincent Ellis said the career fair was one of the best things that has happened to Bimini.

“We need this. Resorts World is doing a great thing here in Bimini. This turn out says to me that the majority of the people support this project,” Mr Ellis said.

“We can’t rely on doubt talks, we have to go with what we have. We have plenty people in Bimini to feed, plenty people need jobs all over this Commonwealth, so we say let’s go ahead.”

Resorts World said the job opportunities and career openings it was creating would likely encourage many Biminites to return home.

The developer added that hundreds more jobs will be created in the coming months with the openings of The Port at Resorts World Bimini this summer, and a 325-room luxury boutique hotel in late fall.

Job applicants will be vying for positions in the hotel front office, housekeeping, slots, casino credit, food and beverage service, culinary, marketing, marina, transportation and security.