Although visiting Grand Bahama Shipyard isn't an everyday experience for most visitors to The Bahamas, students from St. Bonaventure University in New York commented that it was the best part of their trip.

Fifty students from the university visited the shipyard during their winter break as a part of an annual service trip that the ENACTUS club takes to The Bahamas. This student-run trip includes business consulting, work with elementary schools, technology expos and Special Olympics programs. The ENACTUS club is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that promotes partnership between leaders in business and university students to make a difference in their local communities.

"I personally learned so much driving around the shipyard," said Rachel Camilo, ENACTUS president. "I did not realize how large of an operation the Grand Bahama Shipyard is or how well-known the shipyard was around the world. I was impressed not only by the information that was given to us on the tour, but also the ability to speak with COO Reuben Byrd afterwards. We truly had a personalized tour and are very appreciative of the lengths that the shipyard went through to accommodate us."

This annual visit by St. Bonaventure has become a highlight on the shipyard calendar which the executives also enjoy, as they can show visitors the successful Bahamian shipyard. "It's a pleasure to host these hard working and caring students each year," said Byrd. "I am personally very proud of our successes here and the enthusiasm of these students is infectious."

Although the ENACTUS club is a nonprofit club and the trip is a service trip, learning about various industries is always important for college students.

"A big part of our experience is to expose our students to the economy of The Bahamas," said Todd Palmer, associate professor of business at St. Bonaventure University and ENACTUS advisor. "Having a chance to look, in-depth, at this global company was eye opening to our students. With so much focusing on tourism it is refreshing to see that The Bahamas has its share of world-class industrial companies, the shipyard being one of them."

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