THE EDITOR, Madam:
ALLOW ME to comment on the impending pull out of Alcan from Jamaica. It is indeed regrettable that this situation has developed, because Alcan has been a good, corporate citizen in Jamaica. In fact, it can be argued that as far as Jamaica is concerned, Alcan is more than a corporate name.
It is a culture as far as setting the example of social engagement with the place where it does business is concerned. No other multi-national corporation has done for Jamaica and has been committed to a country as Alcan has been.
Tears will be shed at their exit not only because jobs will be lost and the economy compromised, but because the culture of Alcan has been so carefully interwoven into the Jamaican social fabric. Things will never be the same no matter who replaces Alcan.
In the context of a globalised economic environment, economics of scale and continued survival will dictate, sometimes unpalatably, grave decisions that companies and corporations will have to make. Alcan is not spared this kind of decision-making.
We hope that everything will be done to ensure that the workers are treated fairly in whatever transition takes place. We will miss you. Alcan. Godspeed.
I am, etc.,
Rev. ALSTON NEMBHARD
E-mail: stead6655acl.com
Via Go-Jamaica
