Hundreds gathered at UWI for health ministry job fair

Job seekers gathered in their hundreds at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus with hopes of getting one of the 600 available positions at the the Ministry of Health and Wellness' inaugural career expo and employment fair.

The large crowd consists of unemployed people as well as those trying to change jobs.

Describing the initiative as "good intentioned", Kyle Ramsey, who is seeking to fill a position as a research officer in the health ministry, believes it could be better organised.

"It's pretty chaotic as you can see," he said.

Around him, some job seekers sought shade under umbrellas they brought while they waited outside the Confucius Building on the campus, complaining about the long wait time.

Standing on the steps of the building, surrounded by the prospective employees, a security guard attempts to calm the increasingly frustrated crowd.

Another job seeker who requested anonymity said she travelled from St Elizabeth and is hopeful that she will be able obtain a job with the social work degree she achieved four years ago.

"It would change my life," she said, stating that she is currently unemployed.

Janice Wright accompanied her 23-year-old daughter from Knockpatrick, Manchester to attend the job fair, leaving their home around 5:00 a.m.

She told The Gleaner that her daughter has certification in assistant nursing but has been working as a bartender as she is unable to get a job.

She is being cautiously optimistic that today will be successful for her.

"It is a good thing if they are going to get through, if it's not a 'shams' thing for the show, a hope at the end at least half of who come up here get a work," she said.

Stacy Ann-Barrett is expecting that she will be among the number.

The 42-year-old mother of three also travelled from Manchester, and said she arrived at the campus about 9:00 a.m., but was yet to be interviewed.

"A bit more organisation would have been good, probably dem neva expect seh so much people would come, but then it show up how many people unemployed and really want a work in this country," she said.

The two-day event aims to fill vacancies in departments, hospitals, health centres and agencies islandwide.

Attendees are encouraged to bring printed copies of their resumes for on-the-spot interviews.

The interviews will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days.

- Sashana Small

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