Calls for overhaul to motor vehicle repairs in Jamaica

There have been calls for the motor vehicle repair sector in Jamaica to be overhauled in light of the influx of Chinese vehicles to the island as well as the interest generated by a new Chinese repair outlet in Ferry, St Catherine, which was subsequently closed.

Whole Hearted Company Services Limited, a Chinese-owned garage located at Ferry, St Catherine, which attracted long lines of Jamaicans eager to take advantage of the excellent service and lower prices was suddenly shut down by the Ministry of Labour and Security last month after investigations revealed that the establishment was operating illegally.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr said last week that the outlet will be allowed to resume operations once the proprietors meet all legal requirements.

Wayne Chen, president of the Jamaica Employers Federation, JEF, says the excitement caused by the Chinese-run repair shop exposed a gap in level of service on offer to the Jamaican public and represents a business opportunity to be filled by local stakeholders.

He said skilled workers should be imported from abroad where a shortage exists.