Dozens of Biminites were hired on the spot after successfully interviewing for jobs being offered during a Resorts World Bimini career fair held on the island on Wednesday.
Scores of Biminites began queuing up as early as 7:30 a.m. for a chance to fill one of the dozens of job openings being offered by the resort (RWB), reported a release from the company.
Organizers are describing the career fair as a tremendous success, based on the turnout and the caliber of people seeking employment.
RWB Director of Human Resources Dave Winslow said the career fair was necessary to fill existing positions, as well as those set to come on stream as the company expands. He said the company is dedicated to helping the community and providing opportunities for the citizens of Bimini.
"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," he said.
"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-caliber professionals and we are welcoming many of them onto our team."
Also on hand for the career fair was Local Government Chief Councilor Lloyd Edgecombe, who was impressed by the staging of the fair and even more excited about the turn-out.
"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," he said. "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 pockets. 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 is one of the best things that has ever 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. 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'."
The drive to hire more staff comes in preparation for major expansion at the resort.
Hundreds of additional jobs will be created in the months ahead with the openings of the port at Resorts World Bimini this summer and a 325-room luxury boutique hotel in late fall, noted RWB.
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 departments.
The career fair is expected to build on RWB's contribution to the island's economy as well as national employment figures.

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