By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedianet

Cabinet ministers and senators toured the Grand Bahama Shipyard yesterday in their first official visit since the new administration took office in May.

They met with company executives in a closed meeting about plans at the Shipyard, and then given a tour of the facility. They were taken to one of the largest dry docks, and went on a walk through one of the repair workshops.

On the tour were Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry and immigration; minister of labour, Dion Foulkes; minister of youth, sports and culture, Michael Pintard; minister of legal affairs, Elsworth Johnson; and Frankie Campbell, minister of transport and local government. Also present were Senate president, Kay Forbes-Smith, Senator Jasmine Dareus, and MPs Fredrick McAlpine and Iram Lewis.

Sarah St George, vice chairman of the GB Port Authority, was also there, along with minister of state for Grand Bahama, Kwasi Thompson.

Mr Thompson said: "Today was really the first step towards our goal in understanding the business opportunities which are available for Bahamians entrepreneurs."

He added that a business seminar would be conducted for commercial entities interested in offering ancillary services at the Shipyard.

"We want to ensure that the public is aware that the concern is not just about direct employment at the Shipyard, but also that the Shipyard (can) provide ancillary opportunities for businesses here in GB," Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson said the Government wanted to ensure Bahamians know the goods and services required by the Shipyard, and understand how they can expand their current business operation so all parties benefit.

The Minister added that the Government would continue to work with the shipyard on its Apprenticeship Programme.

He said there are currently around 70 apprentices in the programme, some in their fourth year and working full-time in the yard. Others are still attending BTVI and completing mechanical engineering degrees at the University of the Bahamas.

Mr Thompson said more than 600 Bahamians are working at the Shipyard, both permanent employees and self-contractors.

"The Government is continuing to encourage the employment of qualified Bahamians here at the shipyard," he said. "Exposure to the industrial sector needs to be encouraged in every school in Grand Bahama and the country."