Good morning and welcome to all members of the media and the listening audience. 

I am delighted to be joined here today by the Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Honourable David Burt, Ms. Laura Purroy, General Manager at Hotelco Bermuda Holding, and Mr. Jan Vanhaelewyn, General Manager of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort.  

The public will know that the Ministry of Labour’s overarching aim is the expansion of jobs and economic growth within Bermuda.

To that end, in the coming months, the St Regis Hotel will officially open for business. When it does, the initial opening phase will employ over 90 staff working in various capacities. 

To ensure Bermudians can secure employment at the hotel, The Ministry of Labour has partnered with St. Regis to offer Bermudians both training and employment opportunities. 

1. Foundations of Excellence Learning and Development programs

One training opportunity is the Foundations of Excellence Learning and Development program, which will prepare Bermudians for roles in the organisation. 

The program embodies the company’s core values of putting people first, which is at the forefront of everything they do. 

In the first year of each associates learning journey, they will enrol in the “School of St. Regis”, which includes a wide variety of classroom, e-learning, and most importantly, on-the-job learning. All teachings are designed to ensure the associates know the brand’s culture and that they are consistent with the delivery of services. 

At the conclusion of the program, the learning received will have enhanced the skills and knowledge required to drive business results and lead teams in a diverse and changing environment.

2. TakeCare Programme

Another training opportunity is the TakeCare Programme. 

TakeCare represents Marriott International’s global commitment to promoting opportunity, community, and purpose for all. 

Established in 2010 as a wellbeing initiative to give associates easy, efficient ways to improve their health, TakeCare now offers holistic programs that go beyond physical wellbeing. The programs offered include mental and emotional health, career development, financial planning, team building, recognition, sustainability and social impact, and many more.

With the large number of positions to be filled, a job fair is a standard practice whereby applicants would join together in one location to apply and interview for career opportunities. However, in light of the COVID-19 preventative measures in place, the recruitment process has shifted almost entirely online, with interviews scheduled only as necessary. 

This approach is in line with the Government's goal to contain the spread of COVID-19 while growing the economy and getting Bermudians reemployed. I want to thank the St Regis Bermuda Resort for taking on the responsibility to ensure a healthy and safe environment throughout the recruitment process. 

Following a review of the submitted job applications, candidates will receive a personal telephone call or email advising of the next steps. If applicable (A-PLI-KABUL), the advice will also include scheduling on-property interviews.

We expect there to be tremendous interest on-island from individuals seeking to apply for the hotel jobs on offer. 

While we have accomplished much, we must do more to support our people. The Government, however, cannot do it alone. 

Our success as a country will only come about through collaboration and partnerships with local businesses, which will lead to more equitable and inclusive solutions for all.

With that in mind, I thank the team at St Regis for their commitment to the people of Bermuda. 

I want to remind the public of the many training programmes on offer through the Department of Workforce Development. 

The reemployment strategy initiatives undertaken to date include:

➢ Utilising professional recruitment agencies to match talented workers to local job opportunities by connecting qualified Bermudians to employers with current job vacancies.

➢ Facilitating training and development programs that have provided reskilling and upskilling opportunities for over 110 people in the following categories – 

• Cleaning Technician Training 

• Administrative Assistant Training 

• Horticulture Training 

• Learn-to-Earn Restaurant Training 

• Food & Beverage Waiter Server Training 

• Computer Literacy Training and

• Digital Literacy for Administrative Professionals

➢ We have also implemented the Graduate Training Program that provides paid internships that allow young Bermudians to gain industry experience in their area of study and benefit from expert guidance to build their personal brand. Additionally, all participants receive career readiness training that will include modules on:

• Developing Your brand

• Emotional Intelligence and Communication

• Diversity and Inclusion and 

• Office Etiquette

This Government will continue to work on behalf of the people of Bermuda and our Ministry will continue to focus on leveraging the Departments within our purview to effectively and strategically help get our economy back on track and achieve a productive workforce that is even better than pre-COVID. 

Together we CAN and MUST do our part to create an environment that provides opportunities for Bermudians, especially our young people who have the skills needed to excel in the workplace. 

It is through working together that Bermuda will see its best days.

In closing, I urge persons currently seeking employment to take advantage of the current and future opportunities by frequently visiting the bermudajobboard.bm and submitting applications for appropriate jobs. 

I also encourage you to register with the Department of Workforce Development by emailing dwd@gov.bm. 

I now welcome Premier Burt to say a few words.