Bahamas Grid Company Accelerates Recruitment to Strengthen New Providence’s Grid

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NASSAU, Bahamas, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has accelerated its recruitment drive, hiring 25 new employees since July 2025 across field operations, technical support, and corporate leadership. The expansion marks one of the most ambitious workforce growth initiatives in the local energy sector and supports BGC’s long-term goal of building a team of more than 150 employees.

The company’s 23 new Bahamian workers bring decades of expertise spanning construction, utilities, energy, and technical services. Among the new recruits are 11 former Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) employees, strengthening BGC’s operational capacity as it continues to modernize New Providence’s grid.

“I’ve worked in the energy industry for over 30 years. I saw BGC and Pike work together and it made me start to dream again,” said Darrio, Manager of Field Operations. “I wanted that experience to be a part of my country’s development and clear the path for the younger Bahamians.”

The additions include:

Leadership & Management: Four senior leaders with a combined 100+ years of experience in energy, construction, and utilities.

Field Operations: Over 30% of the new hires are groundmen, the entry-level role for future line workers.

Specialized Roles: Experienced technicians and operators with nearly 70 years of combined industry expertise make up another 20% of the new workforce.

Foremen: Three new crew leaders with 90+ years of utility experience.

Warehouse & Procurement: Three new specialists to strengthen material and inventory management.

This recruitment push is part of BGC’s phased strategy to build a modern, resilient grid for New Providence. Alongside infrastructure upgrades to both the transmission and distribution systems, the company is investing heavily in recruiting, training and partnerships with local institutions to develop home-grown talent who will continue to manage New Providence’s grid.

“As a proud Bahamian and HR professional with international experience, I am excited to help shape the future of Bahamas Grid Company,” said Steven, Manager of Human Resources. “Our focus is on building a professional and hard-working culture where safety, innovation, and growth define how we work.”

BGC’s investment in both people and technology reflects its mission: to modernize The Bahamas’ energy infrastructure and to empower the Bahamian workforce that will sustain it for generations to come.

Website: https://bahamasgrid.net/

NYC Council Introduces Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act To Honor Murdered Haitian-Born Security Guard

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By News Americas Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Sept. 25, 2025: The New York City Council has introduced sweeping new legislation aimed at raising safety standards and pay for the city’s 82,000 private security officers – in honor of Haitian-born security officer Aland Etienne, who was killed while protecting office workers during the July Midtown mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue.

NYC Council Introduces Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act To Honor Fallen Haitian-Born Guard.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joined hundreds of security officers, union leaders from 32BJ SEIU, elected officials, and Etienne’s family on the steps of City Hall Thursday morning to unveil the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act.

The legislation, which was announced ahead of the Council’s Stated Meeting, will create citywide standards for training, wages, and benefits for the security workforce, which currently faces a 77 percent turnover rate.

“Aland Etienne was a beloved father, son, brother, and partner who cared deeply about the safety of the people who call this city home,” Speaker Adams said. “Security officers like Aland are integral to New York City’s public safety infrastructure, but too often they are not compensated or treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I’m proud to introduce the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act, which would establish and enforce minimum pay standards, benefits, and training for our city’s security guards, while ensuring they have the support and preparation they need. This historic legislation is part of the legacy of Aland Etienne, whose fierce love and commitment to New York City will be remembered forever. I thank 32BJ, Aland’s family and loved ones, and Council Member Hudson for their support of this legislation.”

What The Act Does

Under the bill, security employers would be required to provide an additional 16 hours of emergency preparedness and active shooter response training within an officer’s first 120 days of hire, followed by annual 8-hour refresher courses.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will also be tasked with setting fair wage, benefits, and paid time-off standards, phased in over four years to give employers and building owners time to adjust.

A 2025 UC Berkeley Labor Center report underscored the urgency for reform, revealing that New York City security guards earn a median annual income of $40,311 — less than 40% of the city’s area median income. Nearly 38% have no access to employer-provided health insurance.

Remembering Aland Etienne

Etienne, a member of 32BJ SEIU, was killed on July 12, 2025, after confronting the shooter at 345 Park Avenue. His younger brother, Smith Etienne, told supporters: “If he were with us today, he’d be fighting for this legislation. Let’s honor his legacy by uplifting and protecting his colleagues across the city. Protect the protectors. Aland is a New York hero.”

Colleagues also spoke about the risks they face every day. “As security officers, we’re really on the forefront. Whatever happens, we’re there,” said Brian Telfair, who worked alongside Etienne.

Broader Impact

Union leaders hailed the bill as a first-of-its-kind measure that would make New York safer while helping retain experienced officers. “Security officers are on the frontlines of every imaginable emergency,” said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich. “That was made tragically clear when our union brother Aland Etienne was gunned down while trying to save the lives of others during a mass shooting. Unfortunately, the security officers who we trust to watch over our loved ones are often overlooked. But New York City is a city that stands with first responders. Let’s make that clear by showing our support for this essential workforce and passing the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act to ensure all officers get the training they need to respond to crises, and the wages, benefits and time off to stay in the force. Investing in our brave security officers will make us all more safe.”

Smith Etienne, Aland Etienne’s younger brother, said: “My brother was someone who protected and uplifted others. He protected the public on the job. And as a father, partner, brother, son and mentor he did whatever he could to uplift not just his family and friends, but strangers and colleagues alike. If he were with us today, he’d be fighting for this legislation. Let’s honor his legacy by uplifting and protecting his colleagues across the city. Protect the protectors. Aland is a New York hero.”

The measure will now move through the legislative process, with advocates pressing for swift passage to honor Etienne’s sacrifice and improve public safety for millions of New Yorkers.