STS Construction, one of the Grand Bahamian construction crews working on Celebration Key, pours a foundation
More than 85% of the contracted companies at Carnival Corp. & plc’s Celebration Key are from Grand Bahama.
To date, more than 180 Bahamians from various islands are actively engaged in the construction phase, with 29 of the 31 construction companies onsite Bahamian.
‘Carnival has really demonstrated its belief in Grand Bahamians,’ said Lionel Jervis, project manager for KFL Construction. ‘Local companies are working on all aspects of this development, giving us a unique opportunity to employ so many local people. We are all gaining invaluable experience on a groundbreaking project, working together to build something that will be extremely impactful for the future of Grand Bahama.’
Jobs in F&B, retail, excursions, transportation
With its recently announced $100m pier extension, the now $600m Celebration Key cruise port is expected to make a significant economic impact on the community of Grand Bahama. Beyond construction, opportunities for Bahamians in direct and indirect employment are available in areas including food and beverage, retail, shore excursions, transportation and subcontracting services.
Carnival has committed that least 75% of Celebration Key outlets will be owned and operated by Bahamians. Up to 70 restaurants and retail outlets of various sizes are set to be established. The project is expected to generate over 700 permanent jobs in Grand Bahama, including approximately 300 Bahamians hired directly by Carnival to help welcome 2.2m cruisers each year starting in 2025.
Safety first
According to Bahamian Lilith Hanna, safety manager for the construction site, the highest safety standards are being maintained.
‘Our comprehensive protocols are designed to minimize the risk of injury to workers and create a safe and secure environment in which to undertake this work,’ Hanna said.
The latest local contractor to come aboard is Island Site Development, with experience in delivering food and beverage facilities at developments around The Bahamas and across the Caribbean.
Digital portal for contractors and skilled laborers
Carnival has a digital portalfor contractors and skilled laborers who many not have their own company but possess skills and experience that would make them an asset to the project.
Armando Corpas, associate VP destination development, said: ‘The Grand Bahama community has simply amazed us. There is such a wealth of talent and skill on the island. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to maximize the participation of Bahamians in general, and Grand Bahamians in particular, in every aspect of this project.’
Update clarifies that more than 85% of the contracted companies on site are from Grand Bahama — not the percentage of workers,as stated in a news release thatwas subsequently corrected
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