The Editor, Sir:

In all the euphoria and public celebrations of our athletes' accomplishments in the Beijing Olympics, I could not help but marvel at the support of corporate Jamaica for the country's youth. Many organisations were ready and willing to post numerous full-page cover advertisements in local newspapers, as well as television and radio advertisements. They provided funding to offset 11 days of grand celebration, all expressing how much faith they have in the Jamaican youth.

But is it not ironic that this very same corporate Jamaica with so much faith in the Jamaican youth and their abilities seem to be having a problem hiring Jamaican youth to their organisations. More and more competent youngsters are going to school, getting themselves qualified to sit at home and send out résumés. If this were to become a profession, Jamaica would be booming with résumé senders.

Most of the positions for employment that are being advertised in the papers require persons with a minimum of three-five years' experience. This causes me to ask the question: As students, we start school at the tender age of two and if we are fortunate enough, we go up until about the age of between 21 and 23 years on average. Where would we find the time to get three-five years' experience? I am not undervaluing the importance of experience, but how can one get this experience if corporate Jamaica is reluctant in giving persons positions of internship and summer employment? For the ones who do give summer employment and internships, one must question the value of such experiences as many times the interns end up getting coffee for their supervisors. With this in mind, I ask just how beneficial is such an experience to the youth's development or to an organisation?

Only hope

Corporate Jamaica, for one who believes so much in our youth, too many of our bright young minds are being forced to think that the only hope left for us here is to send out résumés. Think about employing a person who will be of benefit to your organisation, as he or she will work to help you fulfil your mission and objectives to help you achieve your bottom line. Do not only have faith in the Jamaican youth when you stand to gain publicity. Remember part of your corporate social responsibility entails having faith in us when we have studied and worked hard to make ourselves qualified for employment. Too much wasted potential to build your company is lying around untapped. Not all of us want to migrate and let's face it, starting one's own company is much easier said than done.

I am, etc.,

CURIE JOHNSON (Mr)

Communications/Public Relations Specialist

(876) 391-2016