Of the 30 students who decided to take a class in housekeeping, only a few were actually working in that field.

When the STAR visited Heather Little-White and Associates, the institution offering the one-week housekeepers' training certificate course, the students seemed attentive. The students were very much enthused. This was surprising as housekeeping was seen as a menial job.

Orinthia Brown, 43, from St Catherine said, "I am a waitress, so I would like to be well rounded, I can do the housekeeping job when I have a day-off and that's the reason I decided to take this course."

The only male in the class, Dobson Campbell, 39, a minister of religion from St Mary, found the course to be very meaningful. "I just want to learn more about housekeeping, I love when the house in general looks good and taking care of the house is something I enjoy," he said.

Michelle Gayle from St Catherine, took part in the course simply because she liked her bedroom to look sexy. "I like when my place look good and I'm also interested in getting a job in this field," she said.

Dr Little-White said a number of housekeeping graduates have gone on to work with diplomats. "My students are employed locally and all over the world," she said.