Dear Editor,
I enjoyed the article by Mrs Lowrie-Chin "We are a great people — Sir Howard Cooke". It was encouraging, as were the words of Sir Howard Cooke. I have always firmly believed that there is tremendous talent locally. We have a pool of talented people right in Jamaica. It is evident from the many writings from insightful columnists in both The Gleaner and the Observer. And it is also evident from the achievements we read or hear about.
Despite having lived in North America for some 20 years and done all my post-secondary education here, I relied on my work ethic that was shaped in Jamaica to facilitate whatever successes I may have achieved outside of Jamaica. I tell folks all the time that the most effective leader I have had is Jamaica's own Mrs Christine Williams. She could teach ineffective leaders over here in corporate America a thing or three any day.
This is why it is so disheartening when, through our actions, we put Jamaicans second by placing such an emphasis on or giving priority to things foreign. Bypassing local talent and hiring from abroad, placing more value on degrees earned anywhere in foreign, making decisions that are not in the best interest of Jamaicans all send a very subtle message that we are not valued, not worth much. It is like "nuttin local nuh good".
Let's continue to back up the chat with action: Dip in the local talent pool, develop local talent, buy Jamaican. Or is that easier said than done?
Lance Kelly
lk.kellan@gmail.com
Great one, Lowrie-Chin
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I enjoyed the article by Mrs Lowrie-Chin "We are a great people — Sir Howard Cooke". It was encouraging, as were the words of Sir Howard Cooke. I have always firmly believed that there is tremendous talent locally. We have a pool of talented people right in Jamaica. It is evident from the many writings from insightful columnists in both The Gleaner and the Observer. And it is also evident from the achievements we read or hear about.
Despite having lived in North America for some 20 years and done all my post-secondary education here, I relied on my work ethic that was shaped in Jamaica to facilitate whatever successes I may have achieved outside of Jamaica. I tell folks all the time that the most effective leader I have had is Jamaica's own Mrs Christine Williams. She could teach ineffective leaders over here in corporate America a thing or three any day.
This is why it is so disheartening when, through our actions, we put Jamaicans second by placing such an emphasis on or giving priority to things foreign. Bypassing local talent and hiring from abroad, placing more value on degrees earned anywhere in foreign, making decisions that are not in the best interest of Jamaicans all send a very subtle message that we are not valued, not worth much. It is like "nuttin local nuh good".
Let's continue to back up the chat with action: Dip in the local talent pool, develop local talent, buy Jamaican. Or is that easier said than done?
Lance Kelly
lk.kellan@gmail.com
Great one, Lowrie-Chin
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