The Editor, Sir:

I am very glad that the Government of Jamaica has decided to tighten up on the work permit situation for non-nationals working in Jamaica. It seems to me that our country is the only one that has been very accommodating with outsiders coming into our country to work.

Other countries such as Barbados are very strict on their rules regarding employment of non-nationals. Yet, as far as I know, it is so easy for non-nationals to come into Jamaica and work and are even better paid than nationals. Lots of qualified Jamaicans have lost out on work opportunities because these positions are filled by non-nationals, some of which are not as qualified and are also here illegally.

I am a Jamaican who has been living in Barbados for the past year and believe me, they did not make it easy for me to get a permit to work here. I can't blame them because in truth, they are looking out for their own who may be just as qualified to do the jobs non-nationals, like myself are applying for.

We in Jamaica definitely need to tighten and follow up on our laws. We need to look out for our own people jobwise. Before employing internationally, check if the vacancy can be filled locally.

I am, etc.,

MW

c.peterton@bstinet.com

Barbados

Via Go-Jamaica