> to the individual on a work permit can
> fill out a form on a quarterly or
> bi-annual basis to ensure that we are
> satisfied that they are getting
> training.

Brilliant. Nothing that a form cannot solve. Make that weekly, a weekly form!!!
And, do not accept this form unless it comes with a tax compliance certificate, an nib letter, and a urine test for both the trainer and the trainee.

Ridiculosity. Not your suggestion (I detect sarcasm), Mr Pinder. I could fill out a form to tell you everything I learned, but then over a year, the things I've learned have nothing to do with what would actually make me qualified to take over the position. The first thing you need to do is list the education milestones what would make me qualified to take over the position. And for gods sake don't ask the expat with the job to help you with the list,

Insted of limiting the number of permits, try upping the education standards in our schools.
Make it clear that we, as Bahamians, are not entitled to a job, just because we are Bahamians, but have to show that we are prepared to work.

We must get rid of this attitude that our mediocrity will be protected by government. That is what is killing our economy.

Look to Cayman and Turks & Caicos to see how a more open immigration policy has reduced the unemployment to less than one third of ours.

Agreed. Where I differ slightly is in governments responsibility. I believe the government needs to up its effort to train Bahamians. I see that they are making some effort and that's good but more is needed.

"*There is a concern that a number of persons who apply for a labour certificate to get a work permit are opposed to, in some cases, having an understudy. Even where there is an understudy, there is no follow-up system in place to ensure that understudy is receiving the necessary training or education for him or her to take over the position.*"

This is not rocket science. When you implemented that ill advised and poorly written CEB bill we told you EXACTLY what would happen. The bill doesn't even require Bahamians to be trained, the bill says the employer "may" train a Bahamian, anyone short of a leaving certificate understands that "may" implies a choice.

No foreigner is going to train any Bahamian to take their job. Not when the pay the perks and Old Fort Bay so sweet. They may get fed up and leave for other reasons, but they're not training themselves out of a job. I worked with two expats with specialized skills on two separate jobs over a 10 year period and both individuals went over and above board to ensure nobody learned anything from them and they retained their unique status. Down to secreting training manuals. Now yes that's only two individuals, but I'm going to go on a limb that this is common.

Just look at the Pointe, wouldn't that have been a great opportunity to get Bahamian construction workers trained to do work they "supposedly" can't do? but look at what they actually did, not only did they not bring in Bahamian understudies, they hired Chinese workers to do the basic work Bahamians could do.

That CEB Bill, the Indian visa program along with WTO accession are setting a stage that you blind as a bat don't even realize you're allowing to send many Bahamians back to slavery days. All because one man wants to make it easy to get cheap labour for his software enterprise.

The whole process doesn't work as it stands. We need to model our country like Cayman. Let the expats in as they create employment for others and businesses. Who cares about foreigners bring them in and the money will follow.

Our financial services product is done. Our tourism product is the most expensive in the hemisphere. Our educational system is beyond repair. Our workforce is pathetic. Our government is full of self serving individuals that do not care for the country. The list goes on.

We relocated our company to Cayman and it was the best decision we ever made. The ease of opening up a company, bank accounts, immigration, licensing etc., was all done within 2 weeks. Bahamas the same process took 6 months and tens of thousands of dollars especially to the lawyers.

Wake up Bahamians before its too late !!