By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services are in Grand Bahama to search for 100 new recruits.

Acting Commissioner Don Cleare and his team want to hire 70 qualified men and 30 qualified women.

Because of a lack of qualified applicants in Nassau, he said they are visiting the Family Islands to find candidates who meet the required qualifications.

A total of 50 new recruits will come from the Family Islands, with at least 20 from Grand Bahama.

Mr Cleare said the recruitment initially started December 18, but response was slow because there were other recruitment exercises during that time by the other law enforcement agencies.

He indicated that BDCS is in the process of implementing “a new correctional model and plans to build a new prison facility.

“This (exercise) is important for us because we are now about to construct a new prison, and it is a diverse facility. So, right now, although we have been recruiting for two months, I am still 44 short in terms of persons who have met qualifications.

“So, we had to reopen the recruitment exercise again. When we close it next Wednesday, all indication is that we will meet our goal,” said the acting commissioner.

Corrections Corporal Detrice McCardy, public relations director, said they have visited Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Exuma, Bimini, Long Island, and conducted video conferences for the southern islands.

“This is (our) second time in Grand Bahama conducting a recruitment exercise. The first time we were unsuccessful and did not get as many applicants as we anticipated. But this time around, the dynamics have changed, and we are expecting a good turnout.

“We want to give Grand Bahamians an opportunity for employment at BDCS,” said Ms McCardy.

She noted that there are benefits, including good health insurance, satisfactory salary, training opportunities both locally and abroad, and stability.

Ms McCardy also noted that as government employees, BDCS staff can get loans from any financial institution.

The acting commissioner said training will start on March 13 in New Providence.

Accommodations will be provided for recruits at the compound for the duration of their training for some 16 weeks.

Corporal McCardy said the cut off for recruitment is February 14. She said all applicants must be Bahamians.

Interested persons 18-30 years of age must undergo drug and medical screening, security vetting and a physical fitness assessment. They must possess a minimum of five BJCs or equivalent, including English language.

Mr Cleare reported that they had to turn down hundreds in New Providence because they lacked the required academic qualifications.

“One thing I wish to say is that ages 13 to 15 years are so critical -I implore all students at that tender age that this is the best chance to get your BJCs and GCEs to get employment.

“It hurts my heart to turn down persons. We turned down hundreds in New Providence who were looking for jobs, but they don’t have the necessary qualifications, and it is very sad. It is no secret the Out Islands have more steadier grades than New Providence,” he said.

Mr Cleare noted that they are not only looking for correctional officers, but also electricians, nurses, carpenters, plumbers, technicians, pilots, teachers, etc.

“Anyone that has skills can apply today,” he said.