Dear Editor,

I have observed a new identified category of skilled worker coming out of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference – the Household Domestics. Stabroek News (July 5, 2009) reported that President Jagdeo said “that as of January 1, 2010 household domestics who have obtained the appropriate qualifications will be allowed to move freely across the Caribbean region.”

This gives rise to questions as to:

●  Who is a domestic worker?

●  What are the qualifications?

●  Are there any age limitations for employment and retirement?

The inclusion of this category into CARICOM allows the government not to have any development strategy for the country. It can rely more heavily on remittances to prop up the economy. The government can then continue its cap in hand begging around the world for their pet projects.

Starting January 2010 watch the mad dash to the airport of this new category of skilled worker fleeing Guyana to every region in the Caribbean.

Yours faithfully,
Suresh Ramkellawan