The Editor, Sir:
Once again, I am stunned at the level of denial among your readership/contributors.
I've visited Jamaica 30 or more times over the last 15 years. My wife is Jamaican. Whenever we deal with a Jamaican (and it almost always involves payment) we have to follow them around while they play the 'no change' game, or worse, act as though our transaction is finished. It's insulting and irritating to watch grown people behave like little thieves time and time again.
If Jamaica practises anymore 'brethren thing', it's going to end up like Haiti.
As a consequence of such childlike shenanigans, we prefer to do business with 'foreigners' and because they are more competent and honest and they know the rules of engagement and play by them. It's called integrity.
I have yet to meet a 'foreigner' who hasn't witnessed this all-too common con.
When it comes to employment and getting the job done properly, Jamaicans are their own worst enemy. After all, Jamaica is a tourist-based economy, no?
I am, etc.,
EDWARD MURPHY
ebroderickmurphy@hotmail.com
California
Via Go-Jamaica
