IN recent discussions within the Caribbean community, there is a question that continues to pop up — Is it time to migrate, even if only for a temporary period? This question isn’t just reflective of a fleeting curiosity but signals a deep-rooted consideration fuelled by numerous socio-economic shifts and personal growth opportunities abroad.

At the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States 2024 (SIDS4) held in Antigua & Barbuda, a key topic of discussion was the reasons why people emigrate from the Caribbean. Here’s a summary of the main points:

1. Geographical Isolation: Limited access and remoteness contribute to the desire to relocate.

2. Limited Resources: The scarcity of resources drives professionals to seek opportunities elsewhere.

3. Vulnerability to Climate Change: Environmental risks push residents to safer locales.

4. Socio-economic Fragility: Economic instability and lack of security encourage emigration. The extremely high and rising crime rates. Especially the brazen and heinous crimes.

5. Lack of Opportunities for Youth: A significant mismatch between education and job availability compels young professionals to move abroad.

The conference also highlighted that Jamaica is the #1 country in the region with the biggest diaspora and they are leading the way with citizens leaving Jamaican shores and taking residence in other countries. We are losing our best people due to the reasons above.

The Global Stage Opens Up

Post-pandemic, the world has seen a significant shift in migration policies and opportunities. Countries around the globe, including those less traditionally considered by Caribbean nationals, are opening doors to foreigners. Notable among these new opportunities is South Korea’s K Culture Training Visa, allowing foreign nationals to immerse themselves in K-pop culture. Think about if our music artists decided to spend a year in South Korea, immersing themselves in one of the fastest-growing genres like K-pop, think about the insights and lessons they could learn and bring back into their own genre.

Such unique avenues provide more than just a change of scenery; they offer significant professional and cultural growth opportunities, challenging individuals to expand their perspectives far beyond their homeland’s shores.

The Necessity of Temporary Migration

I argue that temporary migration is not just beneficial but necessary. It offers a chance to gain new experiences and understandings, which are invaluable upon return. Living abroad can dramatically broaden one’s worldview and problem-solving capabilities, essential for personal development and societal advancement upon returning home. There are many people living in Jamaica who have never left these shores. The big fish in a small pond mentally kills the drive for personal development, sometimes we forget that we might be great in our city but are below standards when we look at the global market. Seeing more of the world and how better-run societies or companies in your niche are operating, is an eye-opening and humbling experience. We need more of that global perspective amongst our population.

Stagnation vs Progress

In the Caribbean, many express concerns over local stagnation — both in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development. The pace at which global advancements are adopted or adapted is worryingly slow, prompting a look outward for better opportunities and experiences. The gap between local practices and global standards continues to widen, making the idea of temporary migration even more appealing. Many of our professionals have upskilled to a point where there is nowhere for them to go except outside. Others have become bored or disenfranchised at work because everything they have learned isn’t being implemented within their companies and they continue to operate well below global standards.

Migration as a Catalyst for Change

Migration could serve as a catalyst for significant personal and community transformation. Exposure to diverse cultures and systems can inspire innovative solutions to long-standing problems back home. Moreover, these experiences can empower the younger generation, who are often the most affected by the limitations of smaller economies, to drive positive changes.

To Migrate or Not?

So, is migration the answer? While it’s clear that the opportunities and benefits are there, the decision to migrate, even temporarily, is deeply personal and involves numerous factors, including personal goals, family considerations, and economic circumstances.

However, for those who can, spending a year or more abroad could prove transformative, providing them with the tools and insights necessary to foster real change upon their return.

As the Caribbean grapples with the pace of global change, migration presents an opportunity to advance personally and contribute to broader regional development. Whether it serves as a temporary sojourn or a long-term relocation, the experiences gained abroad can play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and forward-thinking Caribbean.

Keron Rose is a digital strategist who works with businesses to build their digital presence and monetise their platforms. Learn more at KeronRose.com or listen to the Digipreneur FM podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or Google podcasts.