Mobilising second-generation Jamaicans
Dear Editor,
I am writing to shed light on a long-standing issue that has plagued Jamaica for decades: brain drain.
While this phenomenon has been a challenge since before our country’s Independence, it reached significant proportions in the 1950s, particularly with the migration of Jamaicans to the United Kingdom, who became known as the Windrush generation.
The aftermath of World War II saw a wave of Jamaicans relocating to the UK to assist in the reconstruction of the British economy. Unfortunately, this migration was not met with reciprocal investments in Jamaica from Britain. Instead, many Jamaicans felt abandoned by their former colonial ruler. However, dwelling on the past does little to address our present challenges, we must learn from it and chart a new course forward.
One potential solution lies in creating a movement akin to National Hero Marcus Garvey’s ‘Back to Africa’ initiative, but with a modern twist — ‘Back to Jamaica’. This movement would encourage skilled and talented second-generation Jamaicans in the Diaspora to temporarily relocate to Jamaica, leveraging their expertise to contribute to the country’s development. By transferring skills and knowledge to the local population, we can empower Jamaicans to build a brighter future for themselves and their homeland.
Why start with the UK? Despite its allure in the past, the UK today grapples with many of the same issues we face in Jamaica, including high living costs, low wages, and housing challenges. Moreover, the climate and atmosphere may not be as favourable as they once were. Drawing inspiration from countries like Ireland, which successfully implemented similar initiatives to address brain drain, we can tailor our approach to suit Jamaica’s unique needs and circumstances.
It’s time we rethink our strategies for tackling brain drain and embrace the potential of second- and third-generation Jamaicans as part of the solution. By harnessing the talents and experiences of our Diaspora, we can build a stronger, more resilient Jamaica for generations to come.
Kevonne martin
kevonnejmartin@hotmail.com
