Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter 
COKE-LLOYD
JACQUELINE COKE-LLOYD, executive director of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF), has called on Jamaicans to adequately equip themselves to deal with what she said are the several challenges which will arise when the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) comes on stream.
Mrs. Coke-Lloyd made the call, while participating in a symposium on the CSME, held at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus on Tuesday.
She said the CSME will have serious implications for local job seekers and on employment options.
"There are a number of threats which will arise. The first is the fact that qualified individuals can now seek employment elsewhere," said Mrs. Coke-Lloyd, adding that this could cause Jamaica's most qualified persons to seek employment in other islands.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
She noted also the fact that with the free movement of labour which the CARICOM single market would allow, there is the possibility of the local labour market being flooded with workers from other islands. She added that individuals will have to also be adaptable to change, should there be an oversupply of labour in their field.
Mrs. Coke-Lloyd made several recommendations on how to go about combating these challenges.
"Diversify, diversify, diversify," she said. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Individuals should always be seeking to upgrade themselves academically, in different fields. This will increase your options," she said.
KNOW MARKET DEMANDS
"The best way to gain work experience is through volunteerism. Seek employment through internships where you want to gain experience. This way, even though it may pay very little, you will get to understand the operations," she said. Mrs. Coke-Lloyd added that volunteerism should be viewed as an investment.
"Persons also need to determine the marketability of the areas in which they are interested. Don't just study for the sake of study. Know what the market demands and where the best options are," she said.
Mrs. Coke-Lloyd noted also that in the ever changing market place, individuals need to focus more on being team oriented. "It is important that persons be goal oriented. The onus is on individuals to ensure that they are employable," she said.
Under the CSME, certain categories of workers inclusive of universtity graduates, media workers, artistes and sports personalities will be allowed to work anywhere in the CSME without needing a work permit.
