Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to the Prime Minister Simpson Miller

I have noticed that you are constantly appealing to the private sector to create long-awaited jobs in a bid to address the chronic unemployment situation which encompasses all, including qualified professionals in various disciplines.

While I support this move, I would strongly recommend that you immediately give your ministers the mandate to instruct their technocrats to identify possible job vacancies within the public sector as the creation of jobs should ultimately be the responsibility of the government.

For years, there has been the tendency for both the JLP and the PNP to award “special” employment contracts to retired people to return to organisations, some of whom are not even qualified, but just placed there to earn additional income and frustrate brilliant minds within the organisation.

Meanwhile, there are a few genuine professionals who are eager to increase the levels of productivity, but are forced to remain in a more demeaning role or even denied employment for prolonged periods. Another burning issue is that of some “dual citizens” who continue to hold key positions within the public sector.

If Jamaican politicians are being ousted from representational politics for holding dual-citizenship status, why should these public servants enjoy the benefit of holding jobs in the sector when there is a shortage of jobs in the country? These practices are becoming untenable and therefore I am seeking your kind intervention in addressing these issues.

I would like to recommend that in order to address the unemployment problem, a more speedy approach be taken by this administration to identify jobs for people who are experienced and qualified, but unemployed.

Based on recent data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Bank of Jamaica, there is evidence that there are several people within this category who are unable to meet their financial obligations. All professionals like myself would like to continue to play an integral role in economic development but are we given a fair chance to do so?

Prime Minister, we are depending on you to deliver as promised.

D Neita

consultant201227@ymail.com