Diaspora can do much for Jamaica
Dear Editor,
I would like to say that as Jamaica approaches the 50th anniversary of Independence (which I term “so-called” since we are not truly free), it is still disappointing to see that the diaspora is not appreciated or given the importance it deserves, especially with the real change it can assist in initiating within Jamaica.
From my travels around sections of the world and to and from Jamaica (where I will return to live permanently soon), I believe that not enough is being done to encourage those within the diaspora to support the country through educational, economic, social and technological means, for example.
There are many individuals who wish to return home; therefore systems (this includes from the shipment of goods to finding employment or setting up a business) should be in place to make this movement seamless. At the moment it is one of the most frustrating things. Take, for example, trying to open a credit union account, especially if you don’t live at home (Jamaica) and don’t have a utility bill in your name! This is just one small example and I’m sure there are many others that could be cited, especially by would-be returnees who have been so frustrated that they’ve given up on returning home altogether.
So what are the solutions? Too many to mention, but here are a few which focus on both government and the diaspora:
* The mandate of the diaspora group that meets regularly (a talking shop seemingly not taken seriously by government) should focus on identifying and implementing real change, especially in processes where those in the diaspora want to return home.
* The financial clout of the diaspora needs to be brought to the attention of government on the power and impact this can have, and I’m not talking about remittances but real development through building businesses and entrepreneurism.
* The diaspora can encourage and increase involvement of inidividuals with the man in the street; that is, supporting basic, prep and primary schools or just sponsoring a child in school on a one-on-one basis rather than waiting for government to act on anything. It is said that there are 2.7 million people in Jamaica and twice that number outside, so it stands to reason that a percentage of those could support a child pretty easily.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list but just food for thought. There are little things the diaspora can do that could influence massive change within Jamaica.
Kwame MAMcPherson
macky_m_m_macp@yahoo.com