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Career & Education THE Caricom Single Market (CSM) has allowed freedom of movement for many categories of the labour force in the Caribbean. Over the past few months, much has been said about the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), but there are still questions as to how qualified people who wish to be involved in a job search may do so. In order to be involved, individuals must know what is required and take steps to ensure that they qualify. One area in which people need to be prepared is adequate certification. Certification and movement of people Certification is quite straightforward for university graduates. A Jamaica Information Service (JIS) article in the Jamaica Observer dated Sunday, December 4, 2005 stated that “graduates need only to show their degrees to be granted the document which allows one the freedom to live and work in other participating Caribbean community states”. Other professionals, according to the JIS publication, will have to present other documents to prove their eligibility or qualification under the Caricom Free Movement of Persons Act of 1977. These professionals, in addition to the university graduates, include media practitioners, artistes, musicians, sports persons, managers, technical and supervisory staff attached to a company or certain self-employed persons. These skilled Caricom nationals who wish to exercise their right as it relates to the CSME should apply for the skills certificate in either the host or home country. In Jamaica, applications are made at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Another JIS report (Jamaica Observer, December 11, 2005), stated that since the issuing of the Caricom Recognition of Skills Certification (CRSC), which replaced work permits, only 78 Jamaicans had applied from Jamaica (home country). Other territories’ applications showed Trinidad and Tobago with 147; Barbados, 50; Guyana, 84; St Vincent and the Grenadines, 15; St Lucia, 12; Antigua and Barbuda, 9 and Belize, 8. Although applications can be made from outside the home country, it is clear from the statistics reported by the JIS, that there has not been much movement of people up to December 2005. This could be due to several factors which, in my view, include:
It is also my view that many Jamaicans go to these countries without obtaining certification, and experience difficulties obtaining the right to employment. An extensive education programme, which has intensified in recent times, must therefore be continued. Technology: Gateway to regional employment If the number of people participating in this regional movement focusing on employment is to increase significantly, then the use of technology must be the major force. People must have access to internet services and be educated on how to use various computerised tools for the job search. These include websites, accessible via the internet. They should also become aware of the various organisations involved in regional recruitment and how to utilise their services. Additionally, human resource practitioners in the region must interact with regional recruiting firms for assistance in sourcing the best irrespective of their country of origin. The University of the West Indies, as a premier regional institution possessing Career and Placement services, can take leadership role in supplying highly skilled and qualified graduates trained in a variety of areas. Educational institutions must play their part in educating the students and the public. On Thursday and Friday this week, the Office of Placement and Career Services, University of the West Indies (UWI) will host its 15th annual career exposition at the Mona Campus. It will be held under the theme, “Technology: Gateway to Regional Employment”. The exposition aims to instruct students from tertiary institutions and secondary schools in the use of technology in the employment process, thereby allowing them to access regional employment opportunities. Organisations realising their responsibilities to assist in educating Jamaicans have joined with the office in helping to achieve the objectives of the exposition. Of great relevance is the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s National Labour Market Information Systems (LMIS), which will be on display to demonstrate how people can seek employment using this kind of technology nationally and regionally. Recruiting firms such as Hamilton Knights and Associates, headed by Gillian Rowlands, will also display its website, which provides access to regional employment. The office of Placement and Career Services’ ‘Job Link’ will also be on display. These are just a few of the over 30 companies that will be on display. Participants are therefore encouraged to network with booth holders and gather relevant information on how to become a part of this regional labour market. Merrit Henry is career counsellor and Students Services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona. E-mail: merrit.henry@yahoo.com for career advice. Article Courtesy of Career & Education, The Jamaican Observer
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