Sixteen university students were welcomed into the Hutchison Ports Bahamas family for a six-week Summer Employment Program, designed to provide young aspiring professionals with exposure to diverse fields within our businesses.

The students, two of which are recipients of Hutchison Bahamas scholarships, were placed within various departments across our business units: Freeport Container Port and Freeport Harbour Company, gaining first-hand experience in their fields of interest.

Upon the conclusion of the programme, several of the summer students spoke to their positive experiences.

Keon Johnson, who is currently in a Plumbing Program at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) described his time in the FCP Facilities Department saying “I really enjoyed being a part of the summer program. I learned new skills like how to build a fence, how to dig a trench and now, my painting skills are enhanced. These hard skills can be used in multiple ways instead of calling or paying someone to do it for me. The staff also makes me feel welcomed and respected.”

Asya Johnson, Computer Science major at The University of New Brunswick spent six weeks in the FCP Operations Development & Technology (ODT) Department. “During my tenure here at Freeport Container Port, I learned so many different things and went through so many different processes. I was able to experience both a day in the office and a day out on the quay; allowing me to get the best of both worlds.”

Business Administration Entrepreneurship major at The University of The Bahamas, Janii Cooper said “During pilot observation, I got to work with one of the senior pilots of Freeport Harbour Company, Mr. Neil Albury. I got the experience of boarding one of the container vessels on the seaside, which I had to climb the latter just like any other marine pilot. When approaching the pilot room, I got a clear view of the harbor, which showcased the different areas of operations such as offloading and loading the containers unto the vessel. While on observation, I watched the marine pilot

navigated the container vessel out of the harbor with the help of two tugboats the Hanne and Freeport; also noticing how his ongoing communicating skills with the Master of Vessel never cease and continually properly operate the container vessel as best as possible. During this experience I notice how important it was to work as a team to accomplish the goal of exiting the port.”

Hutchison Ports Bahamas congratulates our summer students and wishes them the best as they return to university for the upcoming semester.