Daley

Owning a house is the dream of every Jamaican. Forty-year-old Daniel Daley is working hard to achieve this dream. Daley was among the 42 workers who left the island yesterday for the United States on the Government's overseas work programme.

This trip would be the second for the Clarendon native, who told The Gleaner his plans are to further construction on his one-bedroom house with the money he earns.

"The first time I went is the money that mi earn build mi a one bedroom and a veranda," he said.

When Daley is not on overseas employment, he toils on his farm in Clarendon where he produces mainly ground provisions and vegetables.

Glenford Gentles, 45-year-old father of seven, has been part of the work programme for 21 years.

He told The Gleaner that the opportunity has afforded him a house, a car and all other luxuries one could ask for. Most of all, he said, he has been able to maintain his children and provide them with the necessary tools for a good education.

"It (work programme) is a great opportunity because you are always sure of a salary," Gentles said.

This is when compared to the sad realities many self-employed and skilled workers face in Jamaica when they oftentimes go without earnings for weeks or even months.

Gentles, who is from Manchester and does trade work when he is not overseas on the programme, knows this feeling all too well.

"It's not easy when you out here (Jamaica) because you can go days and months without working," he said.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles (in suit) converses with some farm workers before they board their flights to the United States yesterday. - photos by Norman Grindley/acting Photography editor