Dear Editor,

I have often heard the call for jobs to be created. It is suggested by some persons that these jobs would lead to better families, better communities, a better economy, and thus a better Jamaica.

Very often it is said that the Government should facilitate the creation of Free Zones, factories and other means of production that would create jobs so many more of our citizens may gain employment, thus improving their lives and ultimately building Jamaica, land we love.

While I am in support of this, I am of the view that if we build factories, open restaurants, open supermarkets, etc, most of the people zwho would be employed in these areas are either those who are already employed and would be taking on a second job. Or, it would be those moving from one job to another because they are already skilled/certified. I believe we have a problem in this country in which most of those who are unemployed really do not want to work and would not work even if offered a job.

Every so often I have persons asking me to help them find employment, and when I send them to an interview they are nowhere to be found on that day. They only ask for that kind of help so I will be generous when they ask me for a lunch money.

A few months ago, while walking in Christiana, a young man walked over to me and asked for $100. Since this is something he does regularly I said to him, “Do you have anything planted right now?” I figured if I was giving him my money it would be nice if I could get a piece of yam or a few Irish potatoes closer towards the weekend. He said he didn’t have anything planted.

I asked him, “Do you have land?” He replied, “Yes”. I said to him: “I will bring you two grow chocho for you to plant,” thinking that he could not miss with that, as chocho grows even on concrete.

He said, “No!, “Weh mi a do wid dat? Ah style yuh ah style me?” The truth is, for some people, begging is a full-time job. As a people we need to examine ourselves: we have a serious problem when so many people believe they should depend on someone else to give them something. We need to produce for ourselves and ensure that we take care of our families, our communities and ultimately our country, instead of waiting for someone to do it for us.

Gary Rowe Manchester

magnett0072004@yahoo.com