Dionne Rose, Parliamentary Reporter 
Spencer
OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN on Labour Ruddy Spencer has dismissed the Government's claim there were not enough locally-trained workers to fill job vacancies on some construction sites in the hotel industry.
Mr. Spencer, who was making his contribution to the 2006/2007 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on Wednesday, rejected the explanation provided earlier this month by Labour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier, "We are very concerned in what appears to be the 'Asianisation' of the Jamaican labour force, especially on construction sites, both public and private," noted Spencer.
The Opposition Spokesman on Labour said there was an overwhelming presence of foreign workers on several construction projects, which he said was creating dissatisfaction among Jamaican workers.
"The minister was asked for an explanation and has stated that there were not enough certified workers in Jamaica. Let me destroy that lie. I want to state today this is absolute nonsense, rubbish! Ask any local contractors and they will tell you that this is arrant nonsense!" said Spencer.
He made reference to the Jamalco construction project, which he said would have needed skilled workers but arranged with HEART/NTA to source and train enough certified workers in Jamaica.
"Jamalco has not imported one foreign worker because all the workers are available and those who are available have been given some measure of employment," he said.
Mr. Spencer also questioned the accuracy of data provided by the Labour Minister regarding the number of work permits granted by the ministry.
He said the minister needed to explain to the country why 228 applications for work permits were granted in elementary occupation (unskilled occupations).
"We are issuing work permits to foreigners to do the jobs that Jamaicans can do with our elaborate unemployment rate. It is a crying disgrace that any Government could allow this to happen," he said.
