The Editor, Sir:

My published letter on the influx of foreigners has attracted numerous responses from email correspondents. One that appears to come from an interested source states:

"Your letter to The Gleaner, while well intended, shows a complete lack of understanding of international banking as it pertains to your complaint. The Bank of Nova Scotia is now an international banking corporation of which Jamaica is merely a part of its business programme. The parent corporation wishes its managerial personnel to gain international experience, which gives it flexibility to move key personnel internationally as it sees fit. Your plea for a local bank head has no merit if a local with comparable credentials is not available.

Foreign cultures

"Jamaican banking today involves more than lending to businesses and buying government securities. A chief banker must be knowledgeable in international affairs and international economics, and familiar with foreign cultures, all with a view to enhancing the financial bona fides of the parent corporation.

"This type of banking is a young man's game, hence the resigning manager is ripe for retirement. Note also that a prominent Jamaican banker, now a consultant, spent many years, and built his reputation in the Middle East, where there were no polemics like yours about home-grown management."

I responded:

"I sense some annoyance in your response to my letter, yet I remain calm.

"I did write that the move might be justified but that the public was kept in the dark and not afforded an explanation of what is indeed a major occurrence.

"I do not pretend to know about banking and the burden of my remarks was about national self-esteem, not, as you say, 'enhancing the financial bona fides of the parent corporation'. You seem to expect everyone to understand 'international banking' and its ramifications.

"The trouble throughout the world is that folks with knowledge never always think it necessary to inform those who have an interest in the matter. It is called 'arrogance'.

"Your note to me makes sense only if it is shared with the wider public, and if you are prepared to give reasons why your assertions should be believed and accepted."

I am, etc,

KEN JONES

alllerdyce@hotmail.com