THE HEART Trust has flatly denied allegations in a recent Gleaner story that suggested that some employers are requesting light skinned trainees to fill spaces in their companies.

In a release to the media the Trust flatly denied knowledge of any such practice and was adamant that it was dedicated to fulfilling its mandate to train all working age Jamaicans regardless of gender, colour or class.

The story had sparked public outrage, including an investigation by Public Defender Earl Witter.

“The HEART Trust wishes to highlight that as a part of its training methodology, the organisation provides on-the-job training through various partnerships with industry players.  The Trust also provides employers with permanent employees on request.  These trainees are matched with employment based on competencies and job fitness. The HEART Trust/NTA does not place trainees based on looks‚ or other physical or non-trainable attributes. Additionally, an extensive search of our records, as well as interviews with staff involved in the recruitment process, has failed to identify any evidence supporting such ‘browning’ requests,” the Trust said.

The Trust also said it had complied with a request from Witter, who had written to the Trust seeking clarification on several points raised in the article.