Hairstyle policy
I am so disappointed that after information and communication have improved tremendously over the past years, that people in influential positions, such as those at the Ministry of Labour, are still being so primitive.
How can someone on the basis of 'his/her hairstyle' be refused from attending for an interview? I am sure that having a cornrow hairstyle does not prevent one from being properly groomed.
This is on its face discriminatory! And the sad thing is if the Ministry of Labour implemented that rule, what example are they setting for employers? They are the ones who should be initiating the change and pushing for new laws to rid the workforce/workplace from discrimination.
Of course, the countries they are recruiting for have such stringent human rights laws that there is no way a hairstyle could prevent one from getting a job.
It's time Jamaicans wake up and smell the coffee. In the end, it's the ability to do the job that matters. A non-cornrow hairstyle is not a bona fide occupational requirement for any job.
- Maxine Peart, mpeart@modatek.com, Human Resources Modatek Systems
Exporting carpenters
I am not trying to be facetious, but obviously something is wrong with this picture. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles appears to be ecstatic in regard to the 41 carpenters who were recruited for employment in Canada.
This is most troubling to me, since we have hundreds of foreign workers in Jamaica working in the construction area, especially in building of hotels.
Now, why do these excellent carpenters have to migrate to be employed, thus causing impact on wives, children, families, friends and, most important, a societal drain on the skill of carpentry.
Which are no different from our teachers, our nurses and our young university graduates, hence has perpetual damage at large on our country.
Don't get me wrong, I welcome all employment and migration when it's pragmatic. However, I do not believe it should be at the expense of hardship on family.
- Errol Cox, errolcox@hotmail.com, Queens, NY, Via Go-Jamaica
Problem with references
I am writing to share with you the immense pain and frustration I am feeling with regard to obtaining a letter of reference from the University of Technology, where I attended the summer programme from August 2003 to August 2005 to pursue a bachelor's degree in education.
I now need of a letter of reference, a requirement for a new career. On contacting the business office in the Faculty of Education, I was told that the dean or head of school does not write references for students (present or past) so I need to contact one of my lecturers.
Having completed my course of study approximately three years ago, I proceeded to enquire about some of the lecturers whom I remembered, but without any success. Granted, I cannot remember all my lecturers and I am sure they will not all remember me. I am, therefore, suggesting that the University of Technology prepare a standardised reference form for each student at the end of their tenure which they can get from the business office when needed.
- Nadia Jones, Carron Hall P.O.,St. Mary
