Young people in The Bahamas must hold their heads high and expand their horizons if they want to survive in difficult financial times, said Donald Saunders, the Deputy Secretary General, attorney and former FNM candidate. He felt the recent City Market closures was an example of why Bahamians should educate themselves, remain flexible and always be on the look out for new and unusual opportunities. "Yes, the country, along with most of the world, is suffering to some extent," the told Guardian Business. "But this is an opportunity to achieve better skills and look to jobs of the future. I think we really need to train Bahamians in new areas. "People should be prepared to retool themselves from an educational or training perspective." Saunders said Bahamians often focus on the core industries, including tourism and financial services. But technology, farming and other less conventional professions must also be considered. Although he admitted the economy was undergoing difficult times, Saunders added that the government was doing a reasonable job keeping employment at an acceptable level. He pointed to various programs and projects supported by the government, which have provided thousands of opportunities for Bahamians. Baha Mar, for example, the multi-billion-dollar development in Cable Beach, has so far employed more than 1,000 locals. "We talk about the Chinese and other foreigners," he said, "but we should take the opportunity to ensure we have Bahamians employed at these facilities and [are] really learning from these foreign workers so we don't have to depend on them as much. Upgrading your skills is very important." Saunders felt Atlantis would continue to generate jobs through upcoming projects and repairs to the site. Work being done to the magistrate court building and the supreme court in downtown Nassau, along with the current road works project, are also keeping Bahamians employed. But in particular, Saunders highlighted the importance of the Job Readiness and Training Initiative, which Hubert Ingraham, the Prime Minister, kicked off this month. Hundreds of Bahamians were inducted into the program as the first class - 400 participants from New Providence, and 240 from Grand Bahama. The $25 million program includes 52 weeks of job placement and two weeks of orientation. Thousands are expected to go through the initiative over the next several years. "When the economy does take a turn for the better, they will be in a position to take full advantage of that," Saunders explained. "I do think we have to encourage young people to look at new areas of employment." And despite the hard times, he pointed out that the government, unlike other countries in the region, has not cut any essential services. "As a young Bahamian in the professional world, and especially as an attorney for major bank institutions, I often see the affects of the downturn on the economy and general public. In my view, the government is doing a fairly good job in how it is dealing with the economy and how they are sustaining it," he said.
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