The Editor, Sir:

I recently travelled to the tourist town of Ben Harbor, Maine, in the United States, and spoke to a few of the Jamaican men and women who help keep the multi-billion-dollar hotel industry there afloat. All the workers I have talked with said that in order to repay their expenses and send money and goods back home to their families in Jamaica, they must work a second job.

Should be given respect

It is clear that these agents and employers are taking advantage of our Jamaican brothers and sisters.

Many have to put up with racist employers and disgusting living conditions. From four beds to one room while sharing one bathroom to appliances that leak or just don't work, these are some of the conditions.

These are the people who keep alive the reputation of Jamaicans as hard workers, even though it is very hard to carry on under these conditions. Many in Jamaica have no idea what these people go through just to get a small pay cheque. From this very small pay, they still have to feed themselves, senditems home and repay the outstanding fee they are charged for travelling to and from Jamaica.

These workers are being charged about US$65 per week for rent. This is what they should be paying for the month.

If a worker has a problem with the resort or hotel they are working with, he or she will not contact their agent because they are afraid of of being fired.

Please keep in mind that these workers are part of the US$1.15 billion remittance industry. They should be given more respect by all parties involved.

I am, etc.,

KWAMIE

buntik1687@yahoo.com

East Orange, New Jersey