Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer

London, England:

Concerns have been raised in the United Kingdom about the awarding of contracts to non-Jamaicans, while Jamaicans in the diaspora with expertise are not sufficiently being brought into the process to impact on local development.

During a community meeting of the U.K./Jamaica Diaspora chapter in Brixton on the weekend, participants discussed the view that contracts are being awarded to overseas investors, developers and consultants from abroad who have little or no knowledge of the island.

The participants at the meeting, held Saturday night, claimed some professionals brought in were not sensitive to Jamaica while there are highly-qualified professionals in the diaspora who can do the job.

Some persons said the problem was a result of poor flow of information, where those Jamaican professionals who are abroad, with expertise and vast experience, are not informed of the various government contracts and tenders.

It was suggested that Jamaican professionals in the diaspora can play a greater role in the country's development if a process is developed to incorporate such professional Jamaicans who have local and international experience.

Channelling the ideas

Participants also stated that giving contracts to those foreign nationals is no benefit to the country as, in many cases, the money flows out of Jamaica as foreign-based entrepreneurs often have their own foreign employees in top jobs, leaving substandard work and income to the locals.

Responding to the concerns raised by participants at the meeting, Deloris Cooper, community relations officer of the Jamaica High Commission in London, said ideas need to be channelled through the diaspora and the High Commission, so those with the expertise can be informed of the various projects and tenders.

Also addressing the meeting, Dr. Winston Sutherland said a draft governance document setting out the terms of reference for the Jamaican diaspora U.K. and the roles and responsibilities of the officials of the group have been given to regional coordinators for further discussion.