THE EDITOR Sir:
I WOULD like to rebut the statements made by Mrs Blossom O'Mealy-Nelson in Thursday's Gleaner (April 22nd) regarding 'Uniforms Contracts Still Going'.
It is a fallacy for her to say that we cannot meet international standards, when successive governments have spent money, e.g. Garmex, Jampro, have run courses, workshops and seminars in pattern making, grading, designing and various techniques associated with garment production.
What we cannot do is custom-make 400 uniforms for a corporation. What we can do, 'like farin', is make 400 size garments. That is, the same as going to buy, say, a size 16 suit in a store. And upon delivery, "like farin" companies, tell you to take it to your dressmaker or engage one of our local manufacturers for their fit and alterations.
We cannot compete with overseas contractors due to the limited choice and cost of fabric, trimmings and high interest rates, which puts us at a disadvantage.
BAD EXPERIENCE
Secondly, Ms Nelson should know that companies are asking for previous experience. They may have had bad experiences in the past, which makes them reluctant to start with newcomers.
What we would like Mrs Nelson to do is put her money where her mouth is and put the postal staff in recognisable uniforms. Perhaps one way to do this is to segment them into Parishes, so that they become contracts, instead of a contract and let every local manufacturer 'eat ah food'.
LET'S NOT FORGET
Let's not forget that the garment industry has been in decline and most of the remaining players are suffering from debt, which is a debilitating factor of their ability to bid successfully on the few contracts.
Lastly, I would like to know the organisation that Ms Nelson speaks of, did they put out a tender? Were there any samples made? How many local companies did they contact? Did they even try? If they did put out a tender, how many local companies had put in bids? Perhaps that's where we should focus. Not that we can't meet the standards, but our ability to bid successfully.
I am, etc.,
PATRICIA HEATH
colbeck1@yahoo.com
A Very Concerned
Manufacturer
