THE EDITOR, Sir:

WITH ALL the recent concerns about persons who are in Jamaica with work permits, I have to wonder whether there really is no Jamaican qualified to do some of these jobs, or is it that companies come into Jamaica and feel that their 'own' is better equipped to handle the work.

There are jobs held by non-Jamaicans at the two main phone companies, the American School in Kingston, as well as many of the construction projects throughout the island. Which board is monitoring the work permits? Why would our workers be more valued overseas than they are locally?

Like other islands, we should have jobs openings placed in the newspaper, to see whether there are Jamaicans able to fill the post. I know in order to advance, we have to think globally, and that means having foreign nationals working hand in hand with Jamaicans. But, let's not be stupid, and not give Jamaicans a chance to advance.

I am, etc.,

N.M.