THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE read many articles about the recruitment of Jamaican teachers. I shake my head in disgust. Slavery, here we go again. Same old 'Uncle Tom' song. Are these teachers being forced, hog-tied, chained or placed in solitary confinement by the recruiters? Do they have the choice to or not to accept the offers being presented to them? How can people equate (what could be) a better opportunity for the teachers and their families as slavery?
Years ago, in the 70s there was a terrible shortage of medical doctors in Jamaica, did we not benefit from the Cuban doctors who were recruited by Michael Manley; some of whom are still living in Jamaica. Could that not also be classified as slavery? For people who have migrated, and whose families and friends have also migrated to other countries, what's the difference with their migration and that of the teachers? What difference does it make if you are recruited or if you leave voluntarily in order to find a better way of life?
For those of us who are immigrants, the only difference between us and the teachers is, they do have a job to go to the moment they arrive. Most of us had to fight like hell to get one. I find it very sad that the teachers who are making, and have made the decision to teach elsewhere are being made to feel like they are the ones who crucified Christ; they are being made to feel like villains and traitors. I guess the next move is to charge them with duplicity.
Don't these teachers have the right to teach elsewhere if they so wish? Yes. They do. Jamaica is not the only country that is being scouted for talented people. Here in Canada, especially Toronto and Vancouver, there is always recruitment for skilled people, mostly by our friendly neighbour, America. They scout for teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, nurses etc. Recruiters recruit by offering attractive fringe benefits, and a decent salary among other things. What's the difference? It's calle 'FREEDOM OF CHOICE'.
If the Jamaican government is so worried about the teachers leaving, why not pay them a decent salary with decent benefits? With the migration of the teachers, will Jamaica not benefit tremendously? Teachers do have family members to support. The money they work will find its way back into a very lethargic Jamaican economy.
With Jamaica's reputation as having the third highest crime rate in the world, people, be happy that Jamaica is being recognised, acknowledged and appreciated for more positive things than its crime.
My people, isn't it time we all stop acting like crabs in a barrel. Live and let others live.
I am etc.,
MAE L. WILKIE
maewilkie@hotmail.com
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
