By LEDEDRA MARCHE
Bahamas Information Services (BIS)
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama (BIS) — The Bahamas moved one step closer to realizing Grand Bahama island as the home of maritime and logistics on Saturday, October 29, 2022 with the launch of the Elnet Maritime 101 Cadet Programme.
This, according to Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey who told the first cohort of students, while bringing remarks at the opening ceremony at the Elnet Maritime Academy, that such initiatives contribute to the future of our younger generation and the maritime industry in The Bahamas.
“By capitalizing on every aspect of the maritime industry and making a vast number of these opportunities available to young Bahamians through education and training initiatives, we are strategically unlocking our island’s potential to provide future economic growth,” Minister Moxey said.
“The Ministry for Grand Bahama is pleased to partner with Elnet Maritime Agency on Maritime 101 by supporting the vision of Mr. Elbert Hepburn to educate 12th grade high school students about the shipping agency aspect of the maritime industry.”
The objective of Elnet Maritime 101 Programme, the brainchild of Elnet Maritime Limited President Elbert Hepburn, is to equip 12th grade students with basic knowledge and training in the maritime industry to assist them with making decisions about their future career paths. Minister Moxey pointed out that Mr. Hepburn is a successful businessman and fellow Grand Bahamian who possesses a wealth of experience in the maritime sector and operates one of the leading shipping agencies in The Bahamas.
Elnet Maritime Limited has demonstrated its commitment to the recovery and rebuilding of Grand Bahama.
The Minister for Grand Bahama shared with the 20 students, who have made history, that it is her hope that by the end of the program all of them will be motivated to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
“I encourage you to open your minds to absorb every morsel of knowledge and to master the skills you are taught in the weeks ahead. Grand Bahama needs you. The future of our island is bright and it is diverse and there is plenty of room at the table for all of you,” Minister Moxey said.
“You are the future leaders, innovators, creators and entrepreneurs who will contribute significantly to the economic growth of Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.”
Minister Moxey challenged the high school seniors to set the bar high by being the best the program has ever seen. The students also heard from Mr. Hepburn, via a video presentation, inwhich he shared that it took him and his team nine months to develop a program that would best suit them and that they have an opportunity to be part of an amazing industry.
Hepburn revealed that the goal is to continue to create opportunities in the industry and make The Bahamas the maritime centre of the world with Freeport, Grand Bahama, leading the charge.
Following the opening ceremony, the students spent the rest of the day learning of the basics of operations and logistics.
