The Editor, Sir:

I am concerned about the number of persons who will be displaced from their jobs this year. Unemployment is already at an all-time high and already the international financial meltdown is beginning to affect almost every country in the world.

This means that a number of sectors in Jamaica will be greatly affected. The reality is that many workers will lose their jobs. Tourism is already affected and the bauxite sector is to displace over 250 workers, and much more at a later date. Air Jamaica is also to make a number of positions redundant; this is inevitable as Air Jamaica is already heavily in debt.

Government's contingency plan

The prime minister unveiled a raft of measures recently to stave off the effect of the financial 'tsunami' already upon us. The aim was to stimulate the Jamaican economy as seen in other countries to minimise massive job loss.

Yet, this will not be enough and I fear that a number of persons may fall through the cracks if quick action is not taken. The truth is there will be so many qualified unemployed persons out there in the job market, people seeking jobs will have to be the best to land one. Every one will have to take charge of his or her own affairs, as jobs are no longer secure.

In the same way that an organisation goes through a process of re-engineering to survive - so must people. People are losing jobs worldwide at such a rapid pace that it is important that people begin to make the right change in acquiring new skills and drawing on their God-given talents to survive. This is a world where jobs are changing at a fast rate and new ones are emerging. It would be good to start making changes, improving your knowledge skills and attitude while you are currently employed, this will make it easier if you 'hit the road'.

It is said that an individual will change jobs at least five times during his/her working life. The days of persons staying in one job performing the same task is soon to be a thing of the past. People should seek to acquire as many skills in different fields as is possible to make themselves marketable - not only in Jamaica but in other countries as well.

Excellent opportunity

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy offers an excellent opportunity for Caribbean nationals to move across borders. With the required knowledge, skills and attitude, persons can benefit when the moment is right.

Prime Minister Golding did say the HEART Trust/NTA is poised to retrain those persons who are expected to be displaced. I have always believed that HEART holds the key to the future of a lot of unemployed persons, as well as those individuals who have the requisite skills but do not have a certificate to show prospective employers that they have knowledge in their preferred field.

For persons over the age of 50, it will be particularly hard unless they are well qualified and have a lot of experience in a particular field. Age discrimination is very real. Younger persons who have the same qualification as some one older will in most cases be hired more readily. Senior persons in the job market should think of becoming an entrepreneur or being a consultant to individuals or operate their own businesses.

I am, etc.,

DEAN MARTIN

deanmartinjamaica@yahoo.com