Decent Work Country Programme
The Bahamas prepares to launch new Decent Work Country Programme
Priorities include jobs and skills; social dialogue and governance.
29 April 2021
© Adobe stock MQ-Illustrations
As The Bahamas continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and recover from the long-term effects of Hurricane Dorian, the Government and social partners have committed to achieving a better future of work through a soon-to-be-launched Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP II).
Developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Team (DWT) and Office for the Caribbean, the upcoming DWCP II will span between 2021 and 2026. It marks the second Programme of its kind for the country, which launched its first DWCP in 2008.
The ILO’s approach in The Bahamas reflects the development of a ‘new generation’ of DWCPs, seeking to align more closely to both current national and international development goals, and leverage partnerships to achieve real and meaningful change. Activities and results identified in the DWCP II are based on clear theories of changes, developed through consultation with Bahamian constituents.
The Programme is being developed in close collaboration with key national-level constituents. These include the National Tripartite Council; The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Federation; The National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas; The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress; the Ministry of Labour and other relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, the Small Business Development Centre and the Public Health Authority.
“This next DWCP II will seek to find solutions to comprehensive labour issues faced by the people of The Bahamas, particularly in the context of the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic and climate risks such as hurricanes,” said Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of the ILO DWT and Office for the Caribbean. “Through ongoing consultations with constituents and other key stakeholders, we have been able to identify three priority areas to be addressed: jobs and skills, social dialogue and governance.”
During a recent stakeholder validation workshop, held on 18 March 2021, over 30 constituents and other stakeholders (including the media) participated in facilitated conversations centered on the three DWCP priorities. More specifically, they discussed how the Programme should:
The ILO and national partners will announce further details on the new DWCP II for The Bahamas once it officially launches in the coming weeks. The first DWCP for The Bahamas is available here.
Developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Team (DWT) and Office for the Caribbean, the upcoming DWCP II will span between 2021 and 2026. It marks the second Programme of its kind for the country, which launched its first DWCP in 2008.
The ILO’s approach in The Bahamas reflects the development of a ‘new generation’ of DWCPs, seeking to align more closely to both current national and international development goals, and leverage partnerships to achieve real and meaningful change. Activities and results identified in the DWCP II are based on clear theories of changes, developed through consultation with Bahamian constituents.
The Programme is being developed in close collaboration with key national-level constituents. These include the National Tripartite Council; The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Federation; The National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas; The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress; the Ministry of Labour and other relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, the Small Business Development Centre and the Public Health Authority.
“This next DWCP II will seek to find solutions to comprehensive labour issues faced by the people of The Bahamas, particularly in the context of the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic and climate risks such as hurricanes,” said Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of the ILO DWT and Office for the Caribbean. “Through ongoing consultations with constituents and other key stakeholders, we have been able to identify three priority areas to be addressed: jobs and skills, social dialogue and governance.”
During a recent stakeholder validation workshop, held on 18 March 2021, over 30 constituents and other stakeholders (including the media) participated in facilitated conversations centered on the three DWCP priorities. More specifically, they discussed how the Programme should:
- enhance labour force development to improve employment prospects and productivity and to support inclusive, sustainable economic growth, with special attention to youth and women;
- improve social dialogue as a principal means of economic and social policymaking and harmonious labour relations, based on mutual respect and understanding and a diversity of voices, with attention to youth and women; and
- strengthen labour market governance to promote the realization of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and Decent Work for all.
The ILO and national partners will announce further details on the new DWCP II for The Bahamas once it officially launches in the coming weeks. The first DWCP for The Bahamas is available here.