Unemployed urged to register

THURSDAY, JUNE 16: Unemployed residents are being encouraged to register as such so that governrment can track the numbers.

Kim Wilson, Minister of Trade, Industry and Economy, said government will host an unemployment registration drive where unemployed members of the community can fill out a survey.

The Minister said unemployed Bermudians can range from someone who has part-time hours to someone who has no work at all.

The registration is open to all residents of Bermuda. Residents can register online at www.gov.bm or visit a registration station at various locations across the island.

Registration will take place for a week from June 21 to July 1.

“If you are an unemployed individual, you need to register. It will take five  minutes of your time.

“It’s difficult to provide what we need for those people if we don’t know who they are or what their situation is.”

She continued: “I am fairly confident that we will see the numbers that we are anticipating.

“It is vitally important that those completing the on-line form complete all of the fields.

“We need the data so that we can develop the appropriate programmes.

“For persons who do not have access to a computer or the Internet, a team of government representatives will set-up an unemployment registration station in a different location each day.”

The first team will be at the St George’s Town Hall on June 21 from 10am to 2pm.

They will move to the St David’s Cricket Club from 4pm to 8pm.

Ms Wilson said: “Our goal is to register every unemployed resident in Bermuda.

“This is very easy process and only takes a few minutes. 

“It is critical that all unemployed persons participate.

“As an important note, I want to assure the public and registrants that we are sensitive to the issue of those who are jobless and the challenges they may be facing. 

“In order to better assist, we must collect the necessary data.

“I can assure that the information shared will be treated in confidence.”

 Additional registration stations are:

• Harrington Workmen’s Club on June 22 from 4pm to 8pm

• Devonshire Recreation Club on June 23 from 4pm to 8pm

• Cathedral Hall on June 24 from 10am to 3pm

• Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club on June 27 from 4pm to 8pm

• Warwick Workmen’s Club on June 28 from 4pm to 8pm

• Somerset Cricket Club on June 29 from 4pm to 8pm

• Heron Bay MarketPlace on June 30 from 10am to 4pm

• Cathedral Hall on July 1 from 10am to 3pm.