Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville, told graduates of the Spanish for Tourism Workplace course that the worst for Grand Bahama is over, and brighter days are ahead.

Minister Darville addressed the six graduates during their graduation ceremony on Friday when he added that taking the course, which was sponsored by the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the College of The Bahamas, will improve the quality of service provided to the Spanish-speaking visitors to Grand Bahama.

The Minister pointed out – “ladies and gentlemen, I read an article about one year ago that eluded to the fact that by 2020 due to natural human migration, it would be difficult to function in this part of the world without speaking Spanish. As a matter of fact, we all have experienced this in Miami.”

He continued, “The Ministry for Grand Bahama, in its efforts to fulfill its mission and vision statement is mandated to work with the residents, the respective councils and the business community that would chart a course to a brighter future for Grand Bahama. I am excited [with] the direction Grand Bahama is heading and from where I sit I can safely say that we have weathered the worst part of the storm and brighter days lie ahead.

“We are ready and willing to do our part and encourage more Grand Bahamians working in the industrial sectors, transportation industry and tourism sectors to capitalize on this wonderful opportunity that is being offered free of charge by the government through my ministry. You are evidence of the demand for such a course in the community and because of the overall success and outcome of the combined effort from the Ministry of Education, the Freeport City Council and the College of The Bahamas, we will launch a similar course early next year.”

Others who will be targeted for the course will be those in the areas of transportation, the Taxi Union, government agencies, Department of Customs, Ministry of Tourism, Department of Road Traffic, Department of Immigration and the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

“This initiative/venture that was sparked by the Freeport Council, the Ministry of Tourism and financed by the Ministry for Grand Bahama must continue as we plan to improve the quality of service we provide in the community.”

The graduates are: Samantha Chatley, Donraria Duncombe, James Kemp, Raquel Lightbourne, Willis Outten, and Joyceleyn Thomas.

SPANISH COURSE GRADUATES – Six graduates were the first to complete the Spanish for Tourism Workplace course, during a ceremony on Friday at the C.A. Smith Building. Shown from left seated are: Pastor Peter Pinder, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council; Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Dr. Ellamae Johnson-Dennard, Associate Vice-President of the Northern Bahamas Campus; and Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Standing from left are: Donraria Duncombe, Samantha Chatley, Joyceleyn Thomas, James Kemp, Raquel Lightbourne, Willis Outten and Leterah Munnings, coordinator CEES Northern Bahamas Campus. (BIS Photo/Philip A. Curry)