THE EDITOR, Sir:THE MEMBERS of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) note with deep concern recent statements with regard to the local production of uniforms, attributed to Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, postmaster general, in The Gleaner of April 22, 2004.
In an article titled 'Uniform contracts still Going' Dr. O'Meally-Nelson intimated that local uniform manufacturers are still losing contracts to overseas firms because of poor manufacturing standards.
If Dr. O'Meally-Nelson had taken the time to do some research, she would have been able to speak from a more informed position on this issue.
The fact is that the garment sector has been experiencing major adjustments in recent years and has been going through a period of transition. Agencies like the JMA and the Jamaica Business Development Centre have jointly implemented technical assistance programmes in support of the sector in general and the uniform segment in particular.
We would like to remind Dr. Nelson that Jamaican manufacturers continue to outfit the staff of our national carrier Air Jamaica, Courts, Guardsman, Burger King and Jamaica Urban Transit Company. Uniforms are also manufactured locally for the hotel industry.
These companies have recognised the inter-relationship between their development and that of the people of Jamaica and have sourced their uniforms locally.
As a public servant, one would have expected Dr. O'Meally-Nelson to understand her responsibility in contributing to national development. These statements demonstrate an unfortunate level of insensitivity, misinformation and a level of disrespect for the manufacturing sector.
The fact that the JMA has recently launched major initiatives to encourage all Jamaicans to support Jamaican industries, makes Dr. O'Meally-Nelson's statements enormously significant in terms of the level of support the private sector can expect from some areas of the public sector.
Among these initiatives are the Buy Jamaican Build Jamaica Campaign, Manufacturers Month currently being celebrated and a national trade exposition in May.
I am communicating these concerns and hope that on reflection, Dr. O'Meally-Nelson might recognize the need to be more thoughtful in speech and action based on the awesome responsibility she has in representing the public sector.
I am, etc
DOREEN FRANKSON
President,
The Jamaica Manufacturers' Assn. Ltd.
