- The involvement of foreign workers in local projects like the Canelles Resort and the St Jude’s Hospital reconstruction.
Recently, opposition leader Allen Chastanet raised some concerns about the number of foreign workers employed at the above-mentioned sites.
Chastanet questioned the necessity of bringing in hundreds of workers from abroad, especially when the jobs they are doing, such as laying bricks, pushing wheelbarrows, and mixing cement – are tasks that many Saint Lucians can handle. Chastanet also raised an important point about whether these workers are receiving the minimum wage and why the ministry of labour approved their work permits in the first place.
Now, let’s look at the other side of the story.
Rayneau Gajadhar, managing director of Construction and Industrial Equipment (CIE) Limited, provided some clarity on why his company needed to hire workers from overseas.
Gajadhar explained that the workers brought in from countries like India, Peru, El Salvador, and Colombia possess specific skills required for the projects. These workers have a proven track record, having worked on significant projects like the hospital in Dominica during the COVID-19 period. Gajadhar emphasized that these skilled workers are essential for completing the technical aspects of the projects efficiently.
Interestingly, Gajadhar pointed out some inconsistencies in Chastanet’s stance, that during Chastanet’s tenure as prime minister, foreign workers were also brought in for similar projects, with all the necessary approvals. This brings a bit of irony to the current debate, highlighting the complexities and ongoing nature of this issue.
One of the critical points Gajadhar raised is the perceived decline in the work ethic among some Saint Lucians and attributes this to various government welfare programs that, [in his view,] have created a dependency culture.
Programs like STEP and HOPE, while well-intentioned, might be contributing to a lack of accountability and productivity. This is a contentious issue, but it’s worth considering the long-term impacts of such policies on our workforce.
Gajadhar’s perspective is that for Saint Lucia and other Caribbean islands to develop, employing foreign workers is sometimes necessary. He draws parallels with global cities like New York and London, which thrive with a diverse, international workforce. Gajadhar also stressed the importance of giving equal opportunities to local workers, a balance that is crucial for sustainable development.
In a rather bold move, Gajadhar extended an invitation to the opposition leader to help find local workers for ongoing projects. This challenge underlines a genuine willingness to involve more Saint Lucians in these development efforts, provided they have the required skills and work ethic.
Foreign Workers in Saint Lucia: Balancing progress and local employment
This debate highlights the delicate balance between fostering local employment and tapping into specialized skills from abroad. It’s a conversation that requires careful consideration of both the immediate needs of our projects and the long-term growth of our local workforce.
– As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. How do you feel about the use of foreign workers in our local projects? Let’s keep the conversation going!
