University graduate takes on car wash job

Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

Scot Bamburry graduated from the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) in 2008 with a diploma in international shipping and logistics. Filled with dreams of getting a foothold in the burgeoning logistics industry, he sent out numerous job applications, but is yet to get a favourable response.

Among the reasons for the rejections he said he got was that they could not afford to pay him. But for Bamburry, he wouldn't have minded being underpaid as long as it meant getting to do what he really loves.

According to the CMU's website, persons who earn a diploma in international shipping and logistics are provided with a solid grounding in the areas of introduction to logistics, marketing goods and services, financial accounting, inventory control, outbound and reverse logistics, database management, project management, maritime transport, facilities design and management and air transportation.

Bamburry, 38, who lives in the community of Wood Hall in Clarendon, now works at a car wash where he serves as an 'all-rounder'. There he does construction, painting, stocktaking - whatever his boss needs him to do. It is not his ideal job, but it puts money in his pocket and keeps him occupied.

In an interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, he expressed disappointment that after so many years he is yet to gain employment as a stevedore (a person employed at a dock to load and unload ships) or others areas for which he has been trained. Bamburry said sometimes he feels frustrated, even as he points out that he is not the only one in his community suffering from a lack of opportunities.

"You have a whole lot more here in Wood Hall who are trained and not doing anything. They are certified in whatever field and still not getting anything," he said.

For now, he works at the car wash ignoring the negative voices who question the fact that he is wasting time, having an education and working at a car wash.

"I have a little passion; I try to do something to stay out of trouble and keep myself occupied. I am still looking for a door to be opened for me in the shipping industry, but until then ... I work here," said the Clarendon College old boy.