Adrian Frater, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE uncertainty in the Information Technology (IT) sector, sparked by the recent problems at Netserv Global Communication Limited, is nothing new to the youthful industry, touted by Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell, as one of the answers to the nation's unemployment woes.
Since coming on stream in 1999, the IT companies, especially those operating out of the Montego Bay Free Zone, have frequently been rocked by controversies. Items of concerns include the terms and conditions of employees, working conditions, frequent lay-offs and allegations of criminal history on the part of some of the principals.
In 1999, there was a major furore at English Sports Limited -- now Jamaica Call Centre, when news broke that the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Atiyeh and his brother Joseph Atiyeh, were facing a 17-count indictment in the United States on charges of illegal gambling.
The news sparked serious concerns locally as questions were raised as to whether or not the Government had acted prudently in doing business with the Atiyehs. In addition, there were also speculations as to whether or not the company would be able to service the US$6 million loan it had got from the Government.
During the trial of the Atiyeh brothers, who were subsequently acquitted, the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), especially its Spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw, regularly questioned the wisdom of the Government doing business with persons whose honesty and integrity were the subject of a criminal investigation.
Shortly after the acquittal of the Atiyehs, the sector was hit with more bad news. In August, news broke that Ronald Wick, who was believed to be a part owner in Sharpe Communications Limited, was wanted in the United States by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on money laundering and wire fraud charges.
The news about Mr. Wick's alleged criminal escapade brought a new cloud of uncertainty over operations in the Montego Bay Free Zone, especially at Sharpe Communications. The situation at Sharpe was further aggravated when a significant number of the company's 300-strong staff were laid-off followed by rumours that the company was about to close.
In mid-August, a number of top executives from Sharpe's headquarters in Atlanta visited Montego Bay. In an interview with The Gleaner, senior executive John Stanbury denied that Mr. Wick was a member of the company's ownership structure, claiming that he was merely a consultant. "Mr. Wick is no longer with the company and he was never a part of either the ownership or management structure," said Stanbury, who also denied that there were plans to close down our Montego Bay operation. "We are fully equipped with the best technology and above all, we have a well trained and efficient staff."
While nothing of the magnitude of the Netserv situation has occurred at the Montego Bay Freezone, the matter of job security, especially at the Jamaica Call Centre, is still a matter for concern.
"Two top executives and few lower level employees have been dismissed recently," said an executive of the Jamaica Call Centre, who asked not to be identified. "They claim they are striving for greater efficiency but I have a feeling that all is not well."
