Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Turks and Caicos Environment Health Unit is on a recruitment drive in Jamaica to attract some of the island's public health inspectors to that country.

Don Lewis, president of the Jamaica Association of Health Inspectors, says he is aware of the potential loss of some members.

"The entire health professional staffing is being affected by individuals seeking to enhance their own personal development; members of the Public Health Inspectors' Association have chosen to do the same," he said.

"We will be affected by this development, as there will be less boots on the ground. Some of the territories in the region can offer better salary packages based on the strength of their economy."

In a Sunday Gleaner advertisement dated July 23, the Turks And Caicos Health Unit offered 'Environmental Health Officers,' a non-taxable salary package of US$26,940-US$29,940 (J$1,980,000) per annum, plus housing allowance.

This is a breakdown of between J$145,925 and J$162,925 monthly.

Turks And Caicos' Chief Health Inspector, Lorne Robinson, led a two-day interview process on October 5 and 6, of more than 20 Jamaican health inspectors in Kingston.

PACKAGE

"With the resource constraints on the Government, our package might not be comparatively as attractive. However, under the Memorandum of Understanding, we have been able to get other benefits, which would create a balance for our members," added Mr. Lewis.

Public health inspectors are considered the vanguard of environmental health care in Jamaica. They number about 360, with about 60 health officers currently in training at the University of Technology.

A level one health inspector's basic salary is $50,548 monthly. Fringe benefits include $240,000 yearly for car owners, and $72,800 for those without. There is also a one-time payment of $27,000 for tailor allowance.

Andrea Drysdale, executive member of the Inspectors' Association, said of the four regions in Jamaica - Kingston and St. Andrew, Western, North Eastern and Southern - only the south is not immediately affected by the recruitment.