The Editor, Sir:

It is amazing to see how many of Jamaica's trained/educated young-sters are migrating each year due to lack of self esteem, opportunities and direction in offering a good service to their country and are not confident that their future will be secure with government policies and schemes to protect their growth.

I myself have served the country for many years after leaving high school and college, but found no real security within my country's infrastructure to guarantee my career advancement and develop-ment.

I must say I was one of the most fortunate young Jamaicans who have travelled the way. I was employed by the Jamaica Railway Corpo-ration back in the 1980s, then, due to lack of funding, a whole section of the tracks had to be closed to the public.

Another venture I was involved in was the Miami based firm (Pratt & Whitney) aircraft turbines to deliver cost-effective electricity to Jamaican communities, but this has been divested.

Last, but not least, I was also involved in the construction of a major drain project in Montego Bay. But, due to funding problems, the original contractors (of which I was a member of the management team) had to pack up and leave the South Koreans in charge to complete.

Skills unappreciated

I must say youths like myself who have contributed to Jamaica's development could not face the pressures of uncertainty any more and had to migrate.

The major problem migrants now face is bringing their skills and expertise to another country. For it doesn't necessarily mean you are appreciated or valued, and this is obvious from my point of view due to experience.

Due to cultural difference, background, beliefs and other factors, one's dream of being accepted internationally will be shattered.

My advice to the Jamaican government is: keep it in the family. Don't let all your talents go unnoticed for others to abuse and disregard due to prejudice.

I am, etc.,

FENTON WATSON

fentonwatson@hotmail.com

London