THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a Jamaican resident currently studying in the United States under F1-status. At present I am pursuing a master's degree in Business Administration away from my country and culture.
I attended a very prominent high school in Kingston (St. George's College) and got the opportunity to study abroad in the late 1990s. My master plan is to return to Jamaica, get employed and create a foundation for my life. My mother, father and brothers are still in Jamaica. I was born and raised in the ghettos of downtown Kingston and my parents have sacrificed immensely on my behalf.
At the moment, there are few encouraging reasons to return home. Jobs are hardly available for returning students and the wages are close to nothing. I surf the Internet every day searching for job opportunities they barely show any results. Yet the Government and other sectors plead for Jamaicans to return and somehow help the country when they can't even help themselves.
I want to return and contribute but the recurring thought is to stay in the U.S. and take my chances. I think officials and sectors in Jamaica should try to provide feasible opportunities for students who want to return to do so.
One way which this can be done is by setting up a website where we can access and view different jobs. I haven't found a specific website that displays jobs solely in Jamaica. The websites that pop up are based on a general search.
I love my country and I want to return, but sacrifices have been made and a pay-off is expected from all the hardships suffered. Opportunities should be provided in order to facilitate our return. We have worked hard.
I am, etc.,
AL MURPHY
E-mail: stgc_98@yahoo.com
272 Whitney Avenue
Bridgeport
Connecticut
USA
