The Editor, Sir:

The significance of my grandmother's favourite quote 'clean your house before you clean your neighbour's' came to fore on Friday, September 26, when I visited the Ministry of Education.

I was denied entry to the second floor by the front desk attendant as I was deemed 'inappropriately attired'. I was dressed in a linen pants suit, the blouse having cap sleeves. The attendant said no one is allowed upstairs if they are not wearing sleeves. Now, I was at a loss because she was dressed in a T-Shirt with her nipples straining against her shirt, and a stretch pants which showed the entire outline of her very skimpy underwear.

To add insult to injury, she summoned another person from the sanctum of the second floor to vet me because I took umbrage to her utterances. This young lady came chomping on her chewing gum and promptly dismissed me as improperly attired and that it was unprofessional of me to be showing my arms.

Confused

Now, I am confused, as to the definition of professionalism! Or better yet, the dress code of the ministry! In my professionalism course, I was taught that the front desk attendant should dress professionally as she portrays the image of the company, and that it was rude to chew gum on the job.

I searched and there was no poster stating the dress code of this building. I am very surprised that I am being expected to wear cumbersome long sleeves in the sweltering heat just to submit a letter to my employers! As a veteran with 34 years of yeoman service to the Ministry of Education and my noble country of Jamaica I believe that I was done an injustice.

Please, Mr Holness, and the powers that be, be reminded that the house-cleaning starts at home.

I am, etc,

JENNIFER HEWITT

jenfrecks2000@yahoo.com

Disgruntled veteran educator

Oracabessa PO

Via Go-Jamaica