Tag: Dear McKoy

Dear McKoy,

“I worked with a security company here in Jamaica and after five weeks on the job, I have not received a payment.

The owner of the company told us we will be paid fortnightly and he would keep one fortnight in the back.

We called and spoke with him on the phone twice and he said he’s having problems with the manager of the company who is away on business as he didn’t sign the cheques.

However several persons including yours truly saw the manager in question and he told a security supervisor the cheque was signed by the relevant persons and paid to the owner of the company a week ago before he went on business.

Several attempts were made to reach Mr. Henry. His secretary keeps telling us he’s away on business and cannot be reached.

We went to Ministry of Labor and we were advised to continue working as we couldn’t sue if we stop now even tho we haven’t received a salary.

However, we all have responsibilities and had to seek employment elsewhere.

Is it possible that the secretary is in conspiracy with the owner of the company and is aware of his dishonesty? Can legal actions be taken up against the secretary in order for her to talk about his whereabouts, so we can get our five weeks salary? Is the information given to us by Ministry of labor correct? Please help us we need our salary to clear ourselves of five weeks debts!”

Response by Shena Carty: All the unpaid employees need to contact an attorney. The Security company’s owner is responsible for your paychecks, not the secretary. He needs to be held accountable. His record needs to reflect his actions.

Also, contact Ministry of Labor again and make them aware of where the situation stands now and see what advice they have to give. If you hire an attorney, speaking to the ministry isn’t necessary. He will know how to proceed.

Dear McKoy,

“I have been in a relationship with a man from 2008. We broke up for three years because he said I needed to get my divorce as he doesn’t date married women.

I went to a Caribbean Island and he joined me. We lived together for almost 5 years and had a pretty little girl together who is just 2-years-old. I’m older than he is by 10 years and even though we’ve had our disagreements, he has never disrespected me for anyone and even passed up several opportunities for me. I hadn’t worked for 15 months at one point and he paid the bills, provided for me and our baby. He also gave me money to do whatever I want to.

We had an argument, I got upset and returned to Jamaica. He told me he’s coming home to marry me and he even sends me money and calls every day to talk and share his day and thoughts. I know no one is perfect and he often becomes jealous and gets on top of my nerves at times, but he is a good man.

Should I marry him and give him a chance? Or should I seize the opportunity to do a business marriage that a friend is arranging for me in order for me to get citizenship in America?”

Response by Shena Carty: “You are chasing a dream! This man has sacrificed a lot for you. You have been through a lot and you have a child together. If at all possible and you care for him, try to make it work for your family. Obviously, age doesn’t bother him and he sees something in you, that no one else may see. Count your blessings. Be grateful and gracious that you have someone that wants to be there for you.

Business marriages can be the worst. The horror stories are plenty. You get married and you are imprisoned by this stranger and their demands. You could possibly face the worst situation, but it could work out. That decision is for you to make. As you are the one that would have to live with the consequences regardless.”

Dear McKoy,

“I am tired of trying to be honest as no one appreciates honest people anymore.

I found a bag containing a lot of money, as well as, some US dollars. I wanted to keep it all for myself because I owed several persons and I have a major surgery to do, but I was contemplating what to do when I heard a white couple saying they would properly reward the person who found it and they gave a number and ask anyone who has information on the money to contact them.

I recall several times hearing people saying you will be greatly rewarded for returning the money and things, yet they rarely reward you the honest person. All they tend to say is a “thank you and may God bless you“, or even tell you it is not their money and they “can’t give you any but God bless you.”

If you were in my position with all that money would you return it to the owners?

Would you remove some of it? Or would you call and have them signed an agreement to reward you and post it?

What would you do McKoy?”

Response by Shena Carty: What proof do you have that the money belongs to them? How do you know, they didn’t just hear a story and are passing it on? God works in mysterious ways. The universe saw your needs and answered your prayers. I would find out about the reward and check to see if they’re legitimate before I even consider handing that money over. If they are not legitimate and there’s no evidence of a reward to be awarded, keep it!

Dear McKoy,

“I am a mother of 5 children and their father was a good man who fell victim to marijuana and cocaine.

I have tried very hard at many jobs and I even tried my hands at buying and selling, because I just can’t find a job anymore. Most times I have had to use the goods I bought to sell because no one has money to buy.

I have even hitchhiked to several hotel construction sites where I got part-time employment as a labourer.

I earned the respect of many people as a very trying person. I got money to borrow where I tried for the overseas work program and was denied a USA visa where I would go to work as a housekeeper in various big hotels.

I was distraught and some good Samaritan bought me a ticket to a Small Island where I worked for a few years and was able to assist two of my children through high school and part way through university.

Now I’m home and want to try for a US visa, will overstaying in another country although it is in the Caribbean, prevent me from getting the visa? Is there any program available that can assist me to find some kind of job so I can assist the rest of my children? I returned home because I missed my children and hated living in a country illegally.”

Response by Shena Carty: Please contact an immigration attorney. They are better equipped to assist you. Rob Brown an immigration attorney, will be able to assist you. (561) 255 2029.