Apprenticeship Option

This option teaches trade career skills and combines hands-on learning and classroom instructions to introduce summer students to a variety of different skill sets, in order to spark a career interest. Our Apprentices are employees, so they learn and earn at the same time. Youth Apprentices are students between the ages of 15-17 year olds who may have not yet made long term career choices.

The Apprenticeship Option offers the following areas for employment:

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  1. Barbering
  2. Beauty Trade
  3. Carpentry
  4. Baking
  5. Cooking
  6. Photography
  7. Face Painting
  8. Agriculture
  9. Sewing

In the event that the applicant has a medical condition, request a copy of any medical documents that will guide their activity selections and response in the event of an emergency.

Apply Now

Summer Camp Option

Annually, the Division of Youth offers free Summer Camps to school-aged children, ages 5 -14 years. Through a long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Education, Summer Camps are facilitated in a safe and engaging environment and offers numerous activities that help to build character, cultivate creativity, build confidence and develop leadership capabilities. Children also learn the value of both teamwork and personal responsibility.

Camps locations are to be determined.

Apply Now

Corporate Placement Option

Through a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership with Corporate Bahamas, hundreds of our youth are engaged for a period of four (4) weeks during the month of July. Based on their studies, college students are dispersed throughout various organizations – enabling them to receive workplace training and mentorship that is relative to their career interests or fields of study. Persons between the ages of 18-25 are eligible to apply

Apply Now

National Youth Summer Employment Supporting Documents

National Youth Summer Employment Supporting Documents

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  • Current Headshot of Applicant
  • Valid Passport
  • High School Diploma (High School Applicants Only)
  • BJC or BGCSE Certificates (High School Applicants Only)
  • Bank Account Information & Proof of Recent Activity
  • National Insurance Smart Card
  • Parental or Guardian Verification Documents
Corporate Only

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  • School ID (College Students Only)
  • Current College Transcript (College Students Only)
  • 3 References (High School & College Students)
  • Resume (Corporate Placement Applicants Only)
  • Immunization Card (Corporate Placement Applicants – Medical – Only)
Apply Now

Summer Camper (Sports)

Sports Division

Applicants can apply online for the Sports Summer Camp. This camp allows children to develop skills in various sports disciplines in a safe and fun environment.

Supporting Documents include:

  • Photo of the applicant
  • Documents confirming relationship to the applicant
Apply Now

Hall of Fame Nomination

Applicants can apply online for the Sports Hall of Fame Award. This prestigious award is the highest honour given by the Bahamas Government to individuals for their accomplishments in sports. The Government bestows this award annually; any Bahamian athlete who meets the criteria outlined in the nomination guidelines is eligible.   

Apply Now

Summer Employment (Sports)

Sports Division

Applicants can gain valuable work experience and contribute to the sports community by applying online for the Sports Summer Employment Program. This program offers work opportunities during the month of July as sports camp instructors or in various sports-related fields, providing a platform to apply and enhance their skills in a practical setting.

Supporting Documents:

  • Passport (Picture Page)
  • NIB Smart Card
  • Bank Account Information Card (Not Debit Card)
  • Qualification if applicable (BJC, BGCSE, College Degree, College ID)
Apply Now

Subvention Assistance Program

Deadline: June 15th (for federations not competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games)
Friday, August 23rd, 2024 (federations competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games)
First Subvention Payment: September 2024 (Athletes on approved lists will receive three months of payments at that time)

Subvention is crucial in supporting Bahamian athletes by providing essential financial aid for training, competition, and daily expenses. This removes financial barriers and enables athletes to focus entirely on their development and performance, enhancing their chances of success nationally and globally.

Complete details…

This strategic investment by The Bahamas in subvention aims to cultivate athletes’ inherent potential, foster a vibrant sports culture, and strive for excellence in national and international competitions. This commitment boosts national pride and promotes unity and camaraderie within sporting communities, celebrating and championing athletic accomplishments.
Federations submit their recommendations to the Ministry regarding athletes eligible for financial assistance and those they propose for removal from the program. The Ministry reviews these recommendations, conducts thorough investigations as necessary, and actively engages in discussions with the federations. Following the review process, federations receive written notification of approval or non-approval. Approved assistance is then distributed accordingly. All successful athletes have their funds directly deposited into their accounts.
All eligible athletes must submit monthly financial reports through an online portal to streamline reporting. Failure to submit three consecutive reports without explanation prompts a review and five instances of non-completion lead to suspension from the program. Non-submission of any report results in removal from the program. All necessary forms are now accessible online, and eligible athletes will receive unique identification numbers and login details.

Financial Aid

Providing financial aid to Bahamian athletes, coaches, students, sporting clubs, organisations, federations, and stakeholders is vital in supporting their development and success. This assistance goes beyond direct subvention for elite athletes, extending to educational support for courses and college pursuits. By alleviating financial constraints, this aid enables athletes to focus on rigorous training and competition, enhancing their performance on national and international stages.

Financial aid enhances coaching and education standards by funding specialised training programs and certifications. It supports the infrastructure of clubs, organisations, and federations, facilitating event organisation and facility maintenance while promoting a vibrant sports culture from grassroots to elite levels. Collaborations with stakeholders further sustain and expand sports initiatives, aligning interests to maximise community impact and benefits.

Providing financial aid to Bahamian sports entities is an investment in human potential, national pride, community cohesion, and sports excellence. This comprehensive approach ensures a sustainable sports ecosystem that enriches lives and contributes significantly to the socio-economic advancement of the Bahamas.

Apply Now

Annual / Special Grants

Submit grant requests by August 31st (2024 events) and January 31st (2025 events). Grants will not be processed after April 30th, 2025 - apply early to avoid delays.

The Ministry acknowledges the varying financial needs of sports federations and associations. To address this, bi-annual grant applications will be introduced, providing full or partial payment opportunities. Additionally, eligible federations, particularly those designated as Core Sport National Associations and Federations, may apply for Special Grants under Article 8, Section C of the National Sports Policy. These grants are contingent upon verified needs and successful developmental programs, focusing on initiatives in the Family Islands and typically do not exceed 25% of the organisation’s annual base grant.

Financial grants

are accessible to governing bodies registered in the National Directory of Sporting Associations, provided they meet specific criteria. This includes submitting annual Statements of Accounts, upholding high moral standards during international representation, adhering to charter rules, maintaining constitutions and bylaws compliant with national and international standards, and supplying an annual Calendar of Events and Executive Officers list. Federations must also consult with the Sports Department in advance of bidding for major global events, ensure compliance with travel protocols for international competitions, promote youth developmental leagues, especially for girls, and demonstrate achievement of goals outlined in Article 21 of the National Sports Policy to determine the size of their Annual Base Grant.

These measures are designed to ensure the fair and effective allocation of financial grants, foster sustainable sports development, and uphold organisational integrity in the Bahamian sports community.

Apply Now

Youth in Parliament

The “Youth in Parliament” program provides an invaluable platform for young Bahamians aged 16-25 to engage directly with the legislative process. Participants will experience firsthand the workings of the Parliament of The Bahamas, debate national issues, and develop leadership skills. This initiative empowers future leaders by promoting civic responsibility and enhancing their understanding of governance. 

Required Documents…
  • Bahamian passport or national ID
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Recent passport-sized photo

Deadline: October 5th, 2024

Apply Now

Youth Leaders’ Hall of Excellence

The “Youth Leaders’ Hall of Excellence” honours Bahamian youth leaders and workers who have dedicated their time and efforts to fostering the positive development of young people in the Bahamas.

To be eligible for this recognition, applicants must be Bahamian, at least 30 years old, and have a minimum of 10 years of experience in Youth Development with a demonstrated impact.

Required Documents:
  • Nominee biography
  • Portfolio of Youth Work, including: initiatives/projects; proof of achieved goals, objectives, and outcomes
  • Three (3) Letters of Endorsement

    These measures are designed to ensure the fair and effective allocation of financial grants, foster sustainable sports development, and uphold organisational integrity in the Bahamian sports community.

Deadline:
  • All nominations must be submitted by October 13th of the current year.

 

 

Apply Now

National Youth Award Application

The “National Youth Awards” is an annual recognition presented by the government to young Bahamians who have excelled in their respective fields.

To be eligible for this award, applicants must be Bahamian citizens between the ages of 16 and 29 (with the exception of the Youth Ally Award) and must submit a portfolio demonstrating their accomplishments and outstanding achievements.

Required Documents…
  • A biography of the applicant
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Professional Photo
  • Three (3) Reference Letters
  • Portfolio of contributions, impact, and achievements in their sphere
Deadline

All applications must be submitted by August 31st of the current year.

Apply Now

Need more information? See FAQs

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Passport Photograph Specifications:
  • The photograph should be no more than six (6) months old at the time of the application.
  • The photograph should be 2×2 inches at 600 dpi.
  • The photograph should be in colour with a plain white or an off-white background.
  • No selfies.
  • Photographs must show a neutral facial expression, the applicant must not be smiling and the        mouth must be closed.  
  • Makeup should be neutral and jewelry modest.
  • The photograph must show a full face view; the applicant must be facing the camera directly.
  • Hairline and ears must be visible and not covered.
  • Covering of the head is prohibited unless for medical or religious purposes and a formal written request is presented to and approved by the Passport Office.
  • The applicant’s clothing should be in colour with his/her shoulders covered.
  • The applicant’s clothing must not bear any form of military or civil servant badges or ornaments.
  • Applicants may request photo labs to provide a digital copy of the photograph using one of the following options: e-mail, CD or USB.
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Initially, the Centralized Collection Centre will enable the collection of documents from the Road Traffic Department and the Registrar General’s Office for the services of renewing or replacing a driver’s licence, renewing a learner’s permit, and requesting certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates. Additional documents for collection will be included in the coming weeks. All documents must be collected in person and one form of a government-issued identification must be provided for verification. 
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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in The Bahamas or abroad

Business Licence
  • The applicant must currently possess a business licence

Sales Turnover
  • Must have a turnover of less than 5 million dollars per annum
  • Should applicant be a limited company, please give the name(s) of beneficial shareholders

Application and Approval Period
  • The applicant is allowed exemption within a one year period.
  • Applicants approved for the exemption on items within the period of one year may not apply for the same items until the following year. i.e. One-time approval within a one year period.

Supporting Documents 
  • Applicants must provide the following support documents: business national insurance number, tax compliance certificate, business licence number, invoice, income statements
  • Once approved, the applicant can then use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the Customs Department.
  • Documents and items are also subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.

Start-up Business Exemptions
  • First Time Inventory - There is a limit on a first time inventory. Only startup businesses are eligible for exemption.
  • Inventory may be granted to existing businesses if opening a new or secondary location
  • Equipment/Machinery must to relate to the business

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in The Bahamas or abroad

Exemption Period
  • Applicants have up to two years to claim approved concessions. This exemption is available for two years, ending in December 2023.

Location & Prerequisites
  • Applicants must be approved for government service lots throughout The Bahamas.

Frequency of Application
  • Applicants may apply only once for building supplies and furniture on the initial application. Furniture concessions will be approved subject to receipt of the occupancy certificate.

Supporting Documents
  • Applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Passport 
  • NIB card 
  • Government land approval letter 
  • Stamp or certification from the Department of Housing 
  • Architectural plan 
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote 
  • Copy of location/site plan from the Department of Housing

Terms and Conditions
  • The value of furniture and appliances will be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.
  • Applications without the required attachments will be considered incomplete. 
  • Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide the relevant information. 
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the Customs Department.
 

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older.
Location
The business must operate in qualifying locations and on a qualifying island. 
Qualifying islands are:  
Ragged Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Cat Island, Long Island, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay and Andros.
The applicant does not have to be a resident to apply but exemption items must remain in the islands specified or in the approved zone. 

Supporting Documents
Individuals
Individual applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid passport or voters card
  • NIB Card
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote
  • The value of furniture and appliances must be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.

Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.

Businesses 
Business applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid business licence 
  • Business NIB number 
  • Invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  • There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
  • If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.  
 

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older.
Location
Business must operate in the qualifying locations on qualifying islands. Qualifying islands include Abaco and Grand Bahama.
The applicant does not have to be a resident to apply but exemption items must remain in the islands specified or in the approved zone.
Supporting Documents
Individuals
Individual applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid passport or voters card
  • NIB Card
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  • The value of furniture and appliances must be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.
  • Once approved the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to Customs.
Businesses 
Business applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid business licence 
  • Business NIB number 
  • Invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  •  There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify
  • Businesses may subject to inspection and review
  • Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to Customs.
  • If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.
 

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Nationality
• Applicants must be Bahamian citizens

Residency
  • • Applicants must be resident in The Bahamas.
  • Family Island residents can apply
  • This home must be your primary residence

Professional​
  • For the purposes of this project, a professional is “someone who is accomplished in his or her field, sufficient independently to sustain a mortgage or the financial responsibility for a residential dwelling in the community”.

First –time homeowner
  • The applicant must be a first-time homeowner.

Age Requirement
  • The applicant(s) must be 18 to 45 years old at the time of application.
Financial Suitability
  • The applicant (s) must show proof that he or she can qualify for a loan from a financial institution to purchase and build on their property if chosen; or,
  • The applicant (s) must provide a letter from a financial institution stating that they currently hold the required cash and have the regular income needed to purchase the property, build and maintain the building.
  • The government will not be providing guarantees for mortgages.

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Special Voter – Must Complete Form K
A person who is a registered voter may, subject to application, vote as a Special Voter where:
 
  • The person is 65 years old or older
  • The person is or is likely to be, on the day appointed for the taking of the poll, a patient in the hospital, nursing home, home for the aged or other institution for the treatment of any chronic illness or disability, except a person suffering from any mental disorder, psychopathic disorder or any subnormality of the mind, as defined by the Mental Health Act (Ch. 230), and such person is likely to be prevented by such illness, infirmity or disability from traveling to the polling place;
 
  • The person is or is likely to be, on the day appointed for the taking of the poll, a patient in the hospital, nursing home, home for the aged or other institution for the treatment of any chronic illness or disability, except a person suffering from any mental disorder, psychopathic disorder or any subnormality of the mind, as defined by the Mental Health Act (Ch. 230), and such person is likely to be prevented by such illness, infirmity or disability from traveling to the polling place;
     
  • The person is by reason of illness, infirmity, pregnancy or recent childbirth unable to vote in the constituency in which he or she is registered on the day appointed for the taking of the poll; the person, not being a person who qualifies to enroll as an overseas voter under section;
     
  • The person expects to be overseas on the day appointed for the taking of the poll;
     
  • The person is a candidate or the spouse of a candidate contesting the respective election;
     
  • The person is an election day worker, an election official or an employee of the Department of the Parliamentary Commissioner.

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Overseas Voter – Must Complete Form J
Persons applying to register overseas may do so at any embassy, high commission, or any other foreign mission of The Bahamas provided that he is otherwise qualified to register in accordance with the Law.

Overseas voter categories are: 
  • A student, or the spouse accompanying such student, pursuing a bona fide programme of study outside of The Bahamas;
  • A member of staff of any embassy, high commission or other foreign mission of The Bahamas who is posted overseas, or the spouse or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff;
  • A public officer or a member of staff of the Ministry of Tourism or any delegation of The Bahamas who is on official duty overseas or the spouse of such person or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff; 
  • A member of staff of The Bahamas Maritime Authority or any other agency of the Government of The Bahamas or the spouse of such person or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff;
  • Persons applying to register overseas may do so at any embassy, high commission, or any other foreign mission of The Bahamas provided that he is otherwise qualified to register in accordance with the Law.
 
Overseas Voter – Form J Required Supporting Documents 
  • Proof of employment or job letter 
  • Copy of transcript and or a letter from college or university
  • Student visa for students studying abroad

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ADVANCED POLL LOCATIONS
 
BARBADOS
St. James
Barbados University
of The West Indies, 
Arts Lecture Theatre, 
Cavehill Campus, Cavehill,
Barbados Honorary Consul's
Telephone: (246) 429-8285		 CANADA
Ottawa
The Bahamas High Commission, 
Metropolitan Life Centre, 
50 O'Connor Suite 1313, 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 6L2 
Telephone: (613) 232-1724		 JAMAICA
Kingston
University of The West Indies, 
Mona Campus,
Kingston, Jamaica 
Honorary Consul's
Telephone: (876) 997-0249
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Port of Spain
Computer Loft, 
Eric Williams Sciences Complex, 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Honorary Consul's Telephone: (868) 680-3039		 UNITED KINGDOM
English
The Bahamas High Commission, 
10 Chesterfeld Street, 
London, England, W1J 5JL 
Telephone: 011-442-07-408-4488		 UNITED STATES
Atlanta, Georgia
The Bahamas Consulate, 
Park Central Building, 
2970 Clairmont Road, NE Suites 690, 
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, 
Telephone: (404) 214-0492
UNITED STATES
Miami, Florida
The Bahamas Consulate,
Ingraham Building, 
Suite 818, 25 South East Second Avenue, 
Miami, Florida, 33131, 
Telephone: (305) 373-6295		 UNITED STATES
New York, NY 
The Bahamas Consulate, 
Bahamas House, 
231 East 46th Street, 
New York, NY 10017, 
Telephone: (212) 421-6420		 UNITED STATES
Washington, DC 
The Embassy of The Bahamas, 
2220 Massachusetts Avenue, North West 
Washington, DC, 20008 
Telephone: (202) 319-2660
UNITED STATES
Houston Texas
Wyndham Hotel
8686 Kirby Drive, 
Houston Texas, 77054, 
Telephone: (713) 748-3221
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New Firearm Licence Eligibility Criteria
 
  • Bahamian citizen, residing in The Bahamas
  • 18 years or older
  • Clean criminal record 
  • The intended use of the firearm must be hunting, security for a business, or employment purposes.
 

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Applicants are eligible to apply for Economic Empowerment Zone exemption if they meet the following requirements:
 
  • Bahamians citizens and legal residents, 18 years or older and residing in the specified zone for no fewer              than 12 years. 

Applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • First four pages of valid passport 
  • Voters card
  • Copy of National Insurance Card
  • Land approval letter 

These items from the Department of Housing must be provided:
  • Stamp or certification 
  • Architectural plan
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote(s)
  • Copy of location/site plan 

Important Information to Know Before You Apply
  • Exemptions can be applied to international purchases.
  • The approval must be stamped and signed by the Revenue Analyst.
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department. 
  • Applicants are subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.
  • If the location of the business is rented, tenants must provide a letter of consent from the landlord, copy of       the landlord’s identification and proof of the landlord’s ownership of the property. *Tenants and landlords            may apply for the same property or building. 
  • Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide relevant information.
  • There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
  • Should the applicant be a limited company, the name(s) of beneficial shareholders must be provided.
  • Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.
 

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Applications for existing businesses must meet the criteria below and provide the following supporting documents:  
 
  • Businesses must have an annual sales turnover of five million dollars ($5,000,000) or less
  • The exemption is applied to the value of the items
  • Applications to support location expansion must provide proof of expansion: copy of the building permit/ government issued document, lease, business licence, certificate of deposit (receipt of first month rent), NIB contributions
  • Applications to support inventory expansion must provide the value of the inventory for one time use
 

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Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture
Public Notice: Junkanoo Forms Submission Deadliine

Please be advised of the following submission deadlines:

Junkanoo Employment Forms: Due by October 15th.
Junkanoo Food Vendors Forms: Due by October 18th.

Kindly ensure all forms are submitted by the specified dates.
Thank you for using MyGateway.
   
  
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