The Editor, Sir:

I would like to agree 101 per cent with Dr. Morgan when he says that graduates and professionals who leave the Caribbean and go to North America and Europe (particularly the U.K.) are mainly 'third-class citizens'.

Although I was born in the U.K., like most blacks, we are seen as 'second- and third-class citizens'. Regardless of your qualifications and profession, you will often be marginalised in the workplace and if you complain you will be seen as a 'troublemaker'- a 'know-your-place' situation.

I recently came back to the U.K., after working for eight years in Jamaica and the only reason I came back to this demoralising place was I couldn't sustain a respectable standard of living. This would manifest itself by not being able to pay for our children's education, bills and general expenses of life. Education being free in the U.K. for children up to age 18 did play a huge part in our decision to migrate.

I strongly regret returning to the U.K., as this demoting from an ordinary citizen to a second-/third- class status does have an effect on you mind and soul.

My wife, who was born in Jamaica, is going through this initial euphoria (that most newcomers from ex-colonial countries feel) of being in a new country, where she receives some benefits to assist with raising our children. However, I am sure this will wear off soon! One of my children has already faced at school the ugly disease of racism within the first few weeks of attendance.

After all, do you think that blacks come to these rich countries because they love the people?

I am, etc.,

Paul

hansonpa3@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica