In regard to this story above dated 15th July 2020

https://www.solomontimes.com/news/citrec-worker-returns-home-from-canada-disappointed/10018

I am not under CITREC but I am a Solomon Islander working and living here in Nova Scotia, Canada, since 1999. I would like to share what I know and have experienced, and you decide for yourself at the end if CITREC is good for you or not. I think it is good that someone already living here in Canada or some of those people who were actually brought in by CITREC share their stories (both good and bad), so that others who are thinking of coming will make a sound decision.

I believe CITREC is our bridge to the outside world, in this case Canada. It creates the connection that otherwise might not be there for us Islanders. Living here is very expensive, just like in any other first world countries all around the world. The moment you leave your door, you start spending money. You pay taxes on goods, fuel, properties, transport, entertainment, income, healthcare bills, rentals, insurance, dental, childcare, senior homes, beauty etc. Wintertime also adds extra costs to people living here, winter clothes, winter tires for vehicles, jackets, winter boots, heating oil, electrical heating, and more. One last big bill to pay is our flight back to the Solomon Islands every time we want to visit families and relatives. If you are a family with children, that can add up very quickly.

One great opportunity made possible by the existence of CITREC is that you can work, and then apply for permanent residence or PR, like others that come under CITREC have done already. There are many other opportunities; go on to further studies, apply for any other jobs once you have your PR, invest, build your own business, etc. There are lots more resources and support groups that can help you here in Canada once you are well established.

It is not true when people say "when you come back to the Solomon Islands from working in Canada, USA, Australia, or New Zealand, or wherever in the world, you will have lots of money." You also have expenses and other bills to pay. You must enjoy life too (friends, outings, entertainments) and all that cost money, but just getting through one of these connections (like CITREC), creates that option for you to the outside world. That is the key important thing that I want to emphasize. You can apply for other things once you settle down, take other options etc, and make your own living.

Everyone is regarded as having NO qualification when you come over here, you just have to prove your worth. The system here sees everyone from outside the country the same. For example; a doctor, a lawyer, a garbage collector, a plumber, from the Solomon Islands cannot come and practice here right away. You must prove your worth by taking courses, writing their exams/tests, showing that you can do that work through some processes etc. There are lots of doctors and lawyers from around the world that come here expecting to work in hospitals and their respective fields of work that are currently driving taxes, cleaning shops, do basic work just to stay alive. BUT you can get to your field of work once you take some courses and prove to them that is where you should be. It is understandable that in every country, they want to know who you are first before putting you into any job. They don't want to put you in a hospital as a doctor, but you don't know how their systems run, etc, because problems here are somewhat different from ours too. Likewise, whatever level of education we have in our region will not be recognized here till you undergo some testing. So do not expect to work in your field of practice right away when you come in.

One thing I would really like anyone who is thinking of going through CITREC is that, make sure you think about it fully with your family before making the decision. Don't just think of big cities, planes, big money, and boom, you go. If you decide to come, make sure you fulfill what you came here for. Complete that requirement from that employer, DO NOT go and get other jobs. You only create more problem for yourself and your employer when you do that. You might see other jobs that pays you higher money, but that is good that you see that. That should encourage you, be your goal, so fulfill what you came for under your contract and regulations before you apply for other things. Talk to other organisations, groups, make as many connections as possible, so that when you are done with your contract, you can apply for extension or apply to settle down. All options are in your hand once you are done.

There is no doubt about it, it is tough, but you have lots of OPTIONS. The country is big, lots of beautiful places to visit and things to do.

Me truly tingim hem good idea, and great that CITREC mekem connection ia for iumi, but you must mekem gudfala decision before you kam.

Tagio tumas.