About

Things Sticky

Whether it's your party in power or not things sticky and is going to get stickier.

As Jamaicans, we are not only renowned for:

• our high per capita crime rate;
• tourism;
• Bob Marley; 
• Reggae;
• Miss Lou;
• bobsleigh;
• the Reggae Boys;
• the Sunshine Girls;
• Champs;
• the World's fastest man;
• track and field superstars; or 
• having some of the best West Indian cricketers.

We are also known for our versatility and for making something out of nothing.

We likkle but we talawah!

We likkle but wi talawah is something that was hard earned:

And of which we should be massively proud.

Over the years, we've rolled with the punches and grew with the times.

But for some reason, we just can't find the right mix for providing or generating sustainable nationwide employment.

As a result, the culture of migration that started after World War II, continues today.

Originally, we migrated to supply the labour needs of Britain.

Then in the 1950s, for making things better for our children.

The Culture of Migration Continues... 

Currently, there are  more than 2 million Jamaicans living abroad.

Many of the employable underemployed are recruited to work in Japan, Canada, England, and the US as:

• teachers;
• nurses;
• as well as in their tourist sectors. 

Many of us are barrel children.

That is, our primary caregiver - mother, grandmother, aunt, sibling or father - did everything in their power to get a visa and move to greener pastures in foreign.

In this case, the United States of America.

Many migrated to England, Canada, and  other Caribbean islands as well.

Not all of us are "foreign minded".

Or is it that we can't afford:

• the correct training; 
• to get a passport and visa;
• or the plane fear. 

Those of us who remain, are we patriotic or is it that we lack ambition?

Education is Key

We're encouraged to get a good education, yet when we do we are unable to get a job.

I've always encouraged others to not only have "book knowledge";

But to get a practical skill as well.

Like:

• Tiling
• Plumbing
• Electrician
• A H.E.A.R.T certificate

My Story

For example:

• I went to school.
• Behaved and was never suspended, expelled or even punished for bad behavior. 
• Graduated high school. 
• Went to HEART and graduated with a level 1 certificate.
• Went to college and graduated without resits.
• Started my teaching career.
• And followed everything up with university. 

Yet, I'm unemployed and have been for the past 10 months.

My teaching career is 3 years long, and I haven't seen the inside of a classroom since the economic crisis of 2009.

I've applied to schools from Negril Point to Morant Point, and nothing.

I've worked since then, but two of the companies I worked previously closed and moved away.

There are numerous persons from high school to university graduates who are unemployed.

More will be pouring out shortly.

Job Hunting 

On numerous occasions, I get dressed and roam the towns, business centers, and cities:

And all I get is ruined clothes, shoes, and promises of a call if anything turns up.

When I carry out due diligence and follow up, I'm given the cold shoulder.

The letters sent by snail mail and email go unanswered.

Here's the clincher.

The number one reason expressed by the employers for not hiring me is that I'm "over qualified".

I've even altered my resume so it does not include all my education and experience.

I got a job but felt horribly dishonest for doing it.

My rationalization was if they are not smart enough to ask about the missing times , that's their problem.

Luckily, the interviewer asked and I promptly and happily filled her in.

The last place I sought employment stated, "Based on your qualifications you should have your own business".

Talk about embarrassing.

But guess what, been there; done that and it didn't go as planned.

Moving Forward

As I see it, we shouldn't give up, but continue to strive and try to find ways in which we can improve ourselves, create employment and help each other.

It's full time we stop the party BS and get on with our lives.

Stop by from time to time so we can exchange thoughts and share our coping strategies.

One of mine is eating what I grow.

I'll also share:

• Ways in which we can earn an income from home.
• How we can save money.
• How to make use of what we already have.
• What steps we can take toward living a healthier and more satisfying life.

Feel free to share on social media so we all can learn and grow together.

Cheers!