FEEDBACK

(1) Canada calling

September 18, 2011

Move over cane cutters. A group of skilled Jamaican workers have caught the eyes of Canadian employers. They are heavy-duty mechanics and auto-service technicians.

Canada has oil and the US gave them the green light to have it transported into Montana and beyond.

I don't know if this has anything to do with the need for workers, but I do know that North Dakota, US, is also is seeking employees for a project related to this pipeline. The areas are quite remote and experience very cold winters but the salaries are attractive.

• Employment protection

Are these workers going to be paid Canadian wages and protected by employment law, or paid immigrant wages with no employment protection? What conditions are you, Minister, negotiating on behalf of these Jamaicans?

-Guest

• Opportunities welcomed

Times are hard and there are no jobs in Jamaica. Any opportunity, locally or abroad, is welcomed for our people.

- Guest Best

• Exporting skilled talent

You don't build a country by training and exporting skilled people to other country. What you need to be doing is to create employment opportunities locally by inviting overseas investors and companies to set up locally so that your locals can gain employment?

Most times when our skilled people go abroad they don't come back, and whatever short-term benefit the country might gain from the short-term incoming remittance, eventually it will stop when those families eventually leave Jamaica to join the breadwinner overseas.

If Jamaica is to develop, it must create locally based employment opportunities to keep and develop its pool of skilled people.

- Synenergy

September 4, 2011

In a bid to modernise its operations, state-run bus company, Jamaica Urban Transit Company, will be seeking to revamp its bus-ticketing system.

• Don't discount cash

Cash is legal and is a way for one to measure one's expenses without carrying around huge sums at a time.

We must not be prevented from using cash for our transactions, even if a smart-card system is implemented.

- Segur

(3) Make way for the 'Roadhog'

September 25, 2011

From discarded scrap metal, innovative Tyrrell Crumbie, 18, of Johns Town, St Thomas, made a motorised vehicle which he labelled the 'Roadhog'.

• Inspiration

In a sea of negativity it's nice to find a story of inspiration.

- Jayjayja

• Positive things

It's nice to hear positive things, young people getting involved with activities that shows their creativity. Too often, the only pursuit of these young people are the latest BlackBerry or, getting involved in things that destroy their lives before it even begins.

Congrats Tyrrell, keep up the good work ... . Today is your time to shine.

- ANEWME83

• 'Roadhog'

I would sure like to know how much this 'Roadhog' would cost, seeing it seems the ideal vehicle for use on a hilly farm to carry stones, oranges and water to different parts of the farm. I am definitely interested in contacting this guy.

- Baerie

• A good example

I am inspired to see this young man using his time to be creative and useful. I trust that you will continue in your dreams. May other young men in and around Jamaica use your example to be productive and enhance their lives in a positive way.

-Young Khs

• Inspired

This is an inspirational story. I know others just like him, with even differing skills and goals, will feel inspired. I feel it.

— Kevar