Minister Rahming Champions Workplace Inclusion Through Job Fair Training for Persons with Disabilities

Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations, the Hon. Lisa Rahming (centre), is joined by Urban Renewal Authority Co-Chairs the Rt. Hon. Algernon Allen and Rev. Diana Francis, MBE, participants, representatives of the disability community, officials from the National Training Agency, and members of the Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations following the Job Fair Training for Persons with Disabilities at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

NASSAU, The Bahamas - Every person deserves the opportunity to work, contribute and succeed, regardless of ability, Minister of Urban Renewal and Community Relations the Hon. Lisa Rahming said Wednesday (July 29), as she welcomed participants to a Job Fair Training Programme for Persons with Disabilities at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

Hosted by the Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations in partnership with the National Training Agency (NTA), the one-day training equipped participants with practical skills in job readiness, résumé writing, interview techniques, workplace etiquette and career preparation ahead of a special Job Fair scheduled for August 6 at the same venue.

Speaking directly to participants, Minister Rahming offered words of encouragement and affirmation, assuring them that they are valued members of society whose talents and professionalism deserve recognition.

"Our goal is to build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive," the minister said. "Persons with disabilities should not be overlooked or limited in the opportunities available to them. They have skills, they have talent, and they have every right to meaningful employment."

She said creating truly inclusive communities means ensuring persons with disabilities are represented throughout the workforce.

"If every 100 employees included one or more persons with disabilities, imagine the difference we could make as a country," Minister Rahming said. "Inclusion must become part of who we are, not something we think about only from time to time."

Throughout the interactive sessions, participants spoke candidly about the challenges they face when seeking employment, including concerns about being judged because they use a wheelchair or live with another disability.

Facilitators encouraged participants to build confidence, communicate openly with prospective employers about the accommodations they may need, and become advocates for workplace inclusion while maintaining professionalism and respect.

Participants were also reminded that many employers simply may not understand what accommodations are needed, making education and open communication essential. Rather than taking a lack of awareness personally, they were encouraged to help employers understand how simple adjustments can create more inclusive workplaces.

The programme reflected the Ministry's commitment to ensuring every participant felt welcomed and respected. Members of the Urban Renewal team were on hand throughout the day, serving breakfast and lunch while assisting attendees and creating an environment where everyone felt included and valued.

Remarks were also delivered by Calvonya Bain-Grant, Ambassador for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations; Dr. Nicole Andrews, Executive Director of the National Training Agency; and Rev. Diana Francis, MBE, Co-Chair of the Urban Renewal Authority.

Dr. Andrews emphasized that preparation and confidence are critical to employment success, while Bain-Grant encouraged participants to embrace their abilities and advocate for themselves with confidence. Rev. Francis reaffirmed Urban Renewal's commitment to building stronger communities by ensuring every Bahamian has the opportunity to participate fully in national development.

Participants who successfully completed the training will receive certificates during the Job Fair for Persons with Disabilities on August 6 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Government ministries, agencies, private sector employers and non-governmental organizations are expected to participate, providing employment opportunities and resources designed to connect qualified candidates with meaningful careers.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to create stronger, more inclusive communities where every Bahamian has the opportunity to reach their full potential.