The job market is changing. I can confirm that there are fewer entry level posts available for people coming out of high school, college, etc.

This is the result of outsourcing, downsizing and international business' reaction to some of the policies introduced by my Government.

Understand that I say my Government not necessarily because of political affiliation, but because unlike most of you, I understand that I am a shareholder/owner in the Government, no matter which political party is in power, because I am a taxpayer and my money is being used to fund the Government's policies. More on this after the top 20.

Holding at #1 is How Low by Ludacris, who quietly drops hit after rocking hit, year after year. Climbing the ladder to #2 is Snoop Dogg's latest rap anthem, I Wanna Rock, one of the hottest rap track on the circuit and one of DJLT's favourite rap singles. It really does rock, especially when you hear it up loud. Tumbling to #3 is Say Aah by Trey Songz featuring Fabolous.

Up to #4 is Why Don't You Love Me by Beyonce. Falling to #5 is It Kills Me by Melanie Fiona, a sweet and touching love song. Slipping to #6 is Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart by the incredibly talented Alicia Keys.

Leaping to #7 is Hard by Rihanna, the Bajan Bombshell. A Bajan buddy of mine told me that there are many more cuties in Barbados and she is simply "Alright". He needs his eyes checked! On the way up at #8 it's Bedrock by Young Money featuring Lloyd.

Slipping to #9 is Sex Therapy by Robin Thicke.

Now some dance music. Up to #10 is Sexy Chick by David Guetta featuring Akon, a monster house jam. This one is both catchy and pulsating. Up to #11 is She Wolf by Shakira, a kickin' dance track. Jumping to #12 is Tik Tok by Ke$ha, the new blonde bombshell.

At #13 is On To The Next One by Jay Z and Swizz Beats. Falling to #14 is I Invented Sex by Trey Songz featuring Drake. Last week's essential new jam, Rude Boy by Rihanna, advances to #15.

Down to #16 is We Are The World, by Artists for Haiti. Sliding to #17 is Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys,

New at #18 is Everything To Me by Monica, this week's essential new tune. In at #19 is Say Something by Timbaland featuring Drake. New at #20 is Hey Daddy, (Daddy's Home) by Usher featuring Plies.

Now back to this week's word – the changing and shrinking job market in Bermuda. There are simply fewer entry level posts available. In spite of this, we just cannot create enough Bermudian accountants to fill the demand for them. The message to people coming from human resource professionals and recruiters, is that your best chance at getting a job after college is if you are willing to study accounting. For your information, below is a list of entry level positions that were at one time available to Bermudians but are just no longer there:

In the Insurance/Reinsurance Sector:

Underwriting Assistant

Technical Assistant

Actuarial Analyst

Claims Administrator

Broker's Assistant

Operations Assistant

Legal/Funds/Trust

Corporate Administrators

Junior Investment Analyst

General

HR Assistant

Marketing Assistant

Customer Service Representative

Accounts Assistant

Finance/Treasury Assistant

Help Desk Administrator

Administrative Assistant

Office Administrator

All these jobs have over the years been filled by Bermudians, some of whom didn't have degrees and some of whom may have just graduated from university.

In a previous submission I had asked the question: "What are we going to do with the hundreds of Bermudians who used to fill many of these entry level yet respectable posts but which have now been outsourced? Well, many of these persons are "in transition" or unemployed. Many others will soon be in this predicament. I submit that they will have to retrain, train, get college degrees, reinvent themselves somehow.

In addition to the shrinking number of jobs available, it is interesting to note that international business is getting clever. Since our Government has increased payroll taxes, they are passing it on to employees by not giving increases and in some cases merely cost of living allowances. A source close to International Business advised me that they are essentially saying to the general public, "you put this Government in power, so you must suffer the wrath of the decisions they make, not us".

That's a strong statement and is teaching me/us lessons about the dynamic of politics and big business. The way I read this is that if international business can't or don't get their way, they will take certain actions. This is not too far from intimidation, force or threat and bears watching. That's a battle that the Government and the authorities can address.

But in the meantime, my people must train, retrain, reinvent themselves, develop good work ethic and get a college education. Without this retraining, no matter your age, you will be left behind and unemployed.

Bermudian college students are also being advised to work overseas for a while, if they can find employment overseas, before coming back home.

This will greatly enhance their employability when they do return and they don't have to return unless they have a job to come back to.

Also, companies should consider hiring Bermudians in the jurisdictions into which they've outsourced the work.

For people in my area, Harris' Bay, but others are invited also, there will be a panel discussion at the Harrington Workmen's Club next Tuesday, March 30. The guest speakers will be Minister Burch, Cordell Riley and that guy Wayne Smith from Labour and Training. Peace .…. DJLT.