What began as an initiative to make homes safer and more accessible for persons with disabilities has evolved into a first-of-its-kind employment initiative after Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations, the Hon. Lisa Rahming, said her Ministry discovered that many of the people it was helping shared another pressing need — meaningful work.
Speaking at the Ministry’s first-of-its-kind Job Fair for Persons with Disabilities, Rahming said the vision for the initiative emerged after the Government allocated funding following the conclusion of the 2026 Budget Debate to improve the homes of persons with disabilities living in Urban Renewal communities through the installation of ramps, railings and accessible bathroom fixtures. As Ministry teams visited homes across Urban Renewal communities, they encountered a recurring concern. While residents welcomed improvements that would make their homes more accessible, many also shared a desire to become employed and financially independent.
“That inspired us to look beyond home improvements and create a pathway to employment,” Rahming said.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Edward Davis, KC, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Development and Innovation, the Hon. Wayde Watson, commended the Ministry for creating opportunities that empower persons with disabilities to participate fully in the nation’s development.
Watson encouraged participants to approach the day with confidence and determination, reminding them that disability should never be viewed as a limitation on their potential. He said the Government remains committed to building a more inclusive Bahamas where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute, succeed and thrive.
The Ministry’s response began with a Job Readiness Training Programme, conducted in partnership with the National Training Agency (NTA) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. One week later, the initiative culminated in the Job Fair for Persons with Disabilities, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium in Nassau, where graduates received certificates of completion before meeting prospective employers. Rahming said the Ministry also challenged employers to embrace inclusive hiring practices and recognize the talents and abilities of persons with disabilities. She noted
that the Ministry itself leads by example, employing several persons with disabilities, including Disabilities Ambassador Calvonya Grant-Bain, whose professionalism demonstrates the valuable contributions persons with disabilities make in the workplace every day.
She also encouraged employers to uphold the legal requirement requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to ensure that at least one per cent of their workforce comprises qualified persons with disabilities.
Minister of Labour, the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, also addressed the opening ceremony, reaffirming the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities for all Bahamians. Representatives from the Department of Labour remained on site throughout the day, registering job seekers for inclusion in the national employment database and connecting participants with employment opportunities across the country.
Minister of State for Social Services, the Hon. Bacchus Rolle, described the initiative as an investment in people and potential. “Today’s job fair is about more than employment. It is about dignity, inclusion and
ensuring that every Bahamian has the opportunity to contribute their talents and build a brighter future,” Rolle said.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities also played an integral role in the event. Chairman Dr. Anthony Hamilton addressed participants, while Commission representatives assisted persons who were not yet on the national register, helping expand access to services, programmes and future opportunities. The National Training Agency, led by Executive Director Dr. Nicole Andrews, partnered
with the Ministry to prepare participants for the workforce. Dr. Andrews noted that the Agency conducts workforce readiness programmes twice each year and continues to expand training opportunities for persons with disabilities in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Exuma and throughout the Family Islands. The Job Readiness Training Programme was facilitated by Nikia Lang.
Employers from across the public and private sectors answered the Ministry’s call by participating in the job fair, interviewing candidates, accepting applications and sharing information on career opportunities. Among the participating organizations were Atlantis Paradise Island, Baha Mar, Comfort
Suites Paradise Island, Breezes Bahamas, Rubis Bahamas, Water & Sewerage Corporation, Burger King Bahamas, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Anthony’s Grill, Quiznos, Abilities Unlimited, Lighthouse Point, Bahamas Power and Light, the National Insurance Board, Cyber Tech College, We Care, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Water & Sewerage Corporation promoted vacancies including Accounting Supervisor, Contract Specialist and Communications Manager, while Breezes Bahamas recruited cooks, room attendants and servers. Atlantis Paradise Island conducted pre-screening interviews, Rubis Bahamas recruited for administrative and service station positions, and Cyber Tech College promoted associate degree and professional development programmes.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force delegation, led by Superintendent Janice Green, showcased a wide range of career opportunities through representatives from its Forensic Laboratory, Real Time Crime Centre, Electronic Monitoring Unit, Police Communications and Domestic Violence Unit. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force also participated in the event, broadening the range of opportunities available to attendees.
One of the day’s most inspiring moments came through the presence of a serving police officer living with an upper-limb amputation, whose service demonstrated to participants that disability does not define a person’s ability to build a successful career in law enforcement or public service.
The Urban Renewal Authority’s Co-Chairs, the Rt. Hon. Algernon Allen and Rev. Diana Francis, MBE, joined Trevor Seifert, Director of Special Projects, and the Ministry’s executive and operational teams in supporting the initiative. A dedicated team of summer students also volunteered throughout the day, assisting wheelchair users and other participants as they navigated employer booths, interview stations and support services.
The event reflected a whole-of-community effort to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities by bringing together government agencies, employers, educators, service providers and volunteers under one roof with a shared commitment to inclusion.
Rahming said the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to helping persons with disabilities move beyond accessibility by creating pathways to employment, independence and economic empowerment.
“We started by improving homes,” she said. “Today, we are helping to improve lives by creating opportunities. This is only the beginning.”
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