Jamaica’s diaspora is untapped development engine

THE EDITOR, Madam:

We measure remittances in dollars, yet seldom in dreams deferred, skills exported, or innovation lost to distance. Jamaica’s diaspora, over 1.1 million strong — nearly 29 per cent of our native-born population — is celebrated during Independence, cited in economic reports, and thanked for barrels at Christmas. Yet the nation has not transformed this emotional bond into structured platforms for development.

In 2023 alone, remittances totalled over US$3.4 billion, roughly 18 per cent of GDP. They keep households afloat. But, what of remitted expertise — the knowledge, mentorship, research, and innovation our people abroad carry? Jamaica can no longer afford to see the exodus of talent as a loss. We must embrace brain circulation: the intentional transfer of skills, ideas, and capacity between the homeland and the diaspora.

Other countries – including Israel, Ireland, and India – have harnessed diaspora networks to drive research, investment, and industry growth, without requiring permanent return. Jamaica’s potential is no smaller. Our teachers, nurses, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs excel globally. What is lacking is the infrastructure to channel their expertise back home.

Imagine a country where a diaspora scholar mentors a classroom virtually in rural Jamaica, an entrepreneur advises a start-up from afar, or a physician shares protocols across borders, all contributing without uprooting their lives. These are practical steps, not just lofty ideals. Structured engagement can transform distance into opportunity and absence into meaningful contribution.

It is a common belief that Jamaicans excel in any environment. It is time to consider how Jamaica can excel everywhere through her people, regardless of where they reside. The diaspora is already investing financially; with intentional systems, they could invest intellectually. Remittances build households; remitted expertise can build a nation.

Let us cease viewing global Jamaicans solely as remote benefactors. Let us regard them as partners in national development, innovators, and co-creators of our collective future.

YASHEKA WALTERS-ELLIS