As it continues to grow, the maritime industry is generating opportunities for Bahamians seeking jobs outside of the tourism and financial services industries.
President of the LJM Maritime Academy Dr. Brenda Cleare yesterday highlighted the economic impact the industry could have for the country. She was responding to questions posed by Guardian Business at a press conference. Cleare pointed out that the academy represents a near $30 million investment.
In taking steps to promote the maritime industry, the academy will host its first maritime conference, scheduled to take place October 18 to 20. The conference is expected to attract 200 to 250 delegates locally and from places like the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and India.
"I think we have to realize that, for the last several years, we have only had banking and tourism as the number one and number two industries in The Bahamas," said Cleare.
"We have something to the tune of some 16,000 ships. If we were to put a youth on each of those ships, they are going out and not waiting here for funds, but bringing funds while they are on international ships.
"For the most part, persons who would have completed their diploma with us or any other institution, that actually starts at the beginning of this profession, they may be paid somewhere between $2,800 to $3,000 per month. They don't have to use their funds for food or board or anything like that, and they can help by bringing that money back home and help to build the economy here.
"If those persons are from the Family Islands, they don't have to come and move to Nassau, where they would be spending money. They could return to the Family Islands and build their home there. In other words, they are bringing in more money into the economy as we move forward."
Captain Arun Bhatnagar, who also attended the press conference, said LJM is seeking "to offer an option of employment other than tourism and the hospitality industry".
The upcoming conference is a positive step in the direction for the academy and will feature a format comprised of plenary sessions, concurrent breakout sessions and sessions designed for maritime cadets.
Cleare, in a statement handed out at the press conference, said "The Bahamas is a global leader in ship registry and our academy, LJM Maritime Academy, is proud to set the pace in bringing together at the October 2017 conference key leaders in the global maritime industry and top international academicians in maritime education, to discuss the hot button issues of the industry and to apprise the public of the vast employment opportunities that exist in the maritime field."

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