Hundreds of people who flocked to the Southern Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA) seeking to register for jobs with Royal Caribbean left frustrated and disappointed yesterday.
There was a rush onto the compound in San Fernando minutes before midday, as those still waiting were told that they had already reached capacity in terms of space in the building. They were told to leave their contact information.
Unlike the chaos that unfolded during the first day of registration at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain on Tuesday for shipboard positions, the process was smoother although at the opening, a mini stampede broke out as people rushed towards the entrance.
There was also a heavy presence of police officers ensuring that the crowd behaved in an orderly manner.
Some people camped out in front of SAPA from as early as 8.30 pm on Tuesday and by 5 am yesterday, there were already more than 400 people in line. The line stretched along the Rienzi Kirton Highway from the entrance of SAPA to Embacadere.
In an interview with Guardian Media, Arouca resident Kristian Ford said he did not get through at NAPA, so he came to SAPA hoping to get through with a hospitality-related position.
“I went Port-of-Spain yesterday and due to the big chaos and stuff that happened yesterday, a lot of us who did not get a chance to go through our applications decide to come here earlier and secure a spot,” he explained.
Ford said he was seeking a job aboard the cruise ship because he wants to work internationally as a chef.
Commending the Ministry of Tourism for this initiative, San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello, who was at SAPA, explained that the recruitment exercise was the a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ministry and Royal Caribbean.
Encouraging people to take advantage this opportunity, he said it is an also an avenue for people to see other countries. Commenting on criticism that the large turnout is a reflection of the Government’s failure to create job opportunities, he said, “I think there are two sides to it. I think it is more the opportunity to travel rather than the population being unemployed because there are people who are here right now who are on the OJT programme who are already employed but to see the world almost at a cost-effective strategy, it will be the main attraction, to see the world.”
While there is a level of unemployment given the pandemic, food prices and other factors, he said, “We have to learn to adapt and make ourselves available because while we are saying there is unemployment there are foreigners coming to Trinidad and getting employment.”
Hundreds turned up at Southern Academy for the Performing Arts yesterday, as Royal Caribbean continued its recruitment drive.
RISHI RAGOONATH
Applications far above 2,000 target
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts yesterday advised members of the public to ensure they proof of a completed online application to ensure a seamless process.
The ministry said once an application is completed via the recruitment portal, applicants will receive a confirmation email as proof that they have submitted all of the relevant information.
The ministry said as of June 8, 2,884 applicants had successfully registered and submitted their applications through the online portal.
“Applicants are advised that those who have completed applications and were not seen during the Recruitment Fair will be contacted for virtual interviews with the RCG team out of Miami by August 2022. The ministry will make the necessary facilities available for those needing assistance,” the ministry said.
It noted that Royal Caribbean Group (RCG), which has a 19-member team to carry out the exercise, was encouraged by the response and the high quality of the candidates that were interviewed.
“One RCG official indicated that they have interviewed and made offers to candidates who completed applications for niche and speciality positions that are often difficult to fill in the cruise ship industry. Hundreds of Trinidad and Tobago nationals have undergone medical screening, have been offered and accepted employment as chefs, housekeepers, inventory managers, restaurant attendants, bartenders and doctors. Those who have applied for casino and security jobs were scheduled for second interviews and screening by technical staff, whilst some applicants received conditional offers pending submission of a valid passport,” the statement said.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell said he welcomed this development.
“This is good news for the successful applicants as well as persons within the sector who may have been adversely affected over the past two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this recruitment program, citizens have access to a timely opportunity to expand their horizons at over 77 ports of call while earning US dollars that they can now use for various personal endeavours such as business investments, loan payments or simply to take care of their families and loved ones.”
The recruitment process continues in Tobago today and returns to NAPA tomorrow.