Contributed
Vernon, please post. Thanks.
Vernon, I read your piece with great interest and find myself in agreement with much of what you said — but I also feel compelled to offer a slightly different perspective on part of the matter.
I wholeheartedly agree that Jamaica is in urgent need of quality auto repair facilities. Far too often, many of us have had frustrating experiences with shoddy workmanship, and there’s no doubt that we could learn a great deal from how the Chinese approach precision and organization in this field.
However, while welcoming foreign investment and expertise, we must be careful not to overlook important principles. Any company, whether Jamaican or foreign-owned, must comply fully with the laws of the land. If the Chinese company in question went through the proper channels to license and build the facility, that’s commendable. But when it comes to staffing, the rules must be clear: if foreign workers are needed because of specific technical expertise, the company must obtain the appropriate work permits beforehand — not after the fact.
It is not acceptable to set up operations and only then seek retroactive permission. Doing so undermines our laws and sends the wrong message that some players can bypass the system. Moreover, I find it difficult to believe that, with proper vetting and perhaps some additional training, they could not have found at least 10 qualified Jamaican mechanics to work in that facility. Jamaica is full of talent — sometimes what’s lacking is opportunity and structured training.
If new technology is involved that requires special skills, then by all means, bring in trainers or experts — but do it transparently and legally, through the Ministry of Labour. That way, we protect our workforce, strengthen our institutions, and ensure that Jamaicans are given the first opportunity to fill these roles where possible.
At the end of the day, the real goal should be to raise the standard of service in Jamaica while also building local capacity, not just importing solutions wholesale.
Thank you for raising this important issue.
Contributed
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Most auto repair shops are scammers especially the dealers. They overcharge customers for simple repairs. I repair my vehicles for way less than the shops.
ReplyDeleteThere are many complaints when it comes to local mechanics. Some of them are Finals.I took a vehicle which had a transmission problem to have it fixed, I got it back worse.
ReplyDeleteThe chinese see how tings run here...break the rules then "regularise".
ReplyDeleteWhat if the Chinese get it into their heads to have a wholesale mechanicship offshore with barges to take vehicles to them.
ReplyDeleteNo confusion of work permits and other bureaucracy to stall things.
How about applying for Freezone status wherever they operate is another scenario.
How about also a Mechanic Hotel under the Hotel Incentives Act ie no tax,no duties etc
Have you considered the CHEC system. How about servicing facilities under that facility the do not need work permits just some diplomatic passports.
Don't forget CHINA IS A SUPERPOWER not only the USA and RUSSIA.
I hear Jamaica is a super power in Duncehall music and sprinting.
Why not train to the point we become a mechanic Superpower where vehicles are sent to Jamaica for fixing.
I agree that they should go through the proper processes. However, this type of service should be encouraged. I have friends who own garages and there is a big shortage of good mechanics. So a free market situation is obviously the way to raise the standard with proper controls of business license and work permits .
ReplyDeletePerhaps a large percentage of the good mechanics, other trade people, health care personnels have all left the country for foreign lands.
ReplyDeleteSo we have to be mindful why we do not have our most qualified people working in jamaica.
And yes the practice is to bypass the law and if you get caught, then you apply to do it legally.
In particular new development
Have you not seen what is happening in the construction industry..
We have architect issuing certificate of practical completion on units without even having a front door.
Just business as usual in Jamaica land we love.
A country as corrupt as Jamaica, the Chinese know only too well who to pay to get their stuff done in short order. They land from China today and tomorrow they have a driver's license . Their payroll include lawmen immigration and public officials. They open accounts at institutions in 5 major currencies; they provide whatever document the bank requires. They conduct a lot of business in cash and use their established business to rinse funds They send back to China large amt of funds denominated in USD currency. They buy properties that are overvalued and grow their wealth
ReplyDeleteThe MLSS has a lot of work to do. One trade unionist has indicated that this practice is not confined to the automotive industry. Why do some companies change their names regularly???
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