Brain Drain and Dominican Diaspora - Pt. One

I understand that there are more Dominican citizens living in the Diaspora than at home. This fact is astounding, to say the least. No wonder the amount of money and goods sent home - the barrel economy - has become a substantial portion of our Gross National Product (GNP). I am thinking, "if the barrel economy suffers severe reductions because of the current depressive state of the world economy, what impact would that have on our people's standard of living at home?"

Heaven, help us. We pray that the effect would be minimal. Dominica has just suffered a massive IMF/World Bank work-over by the imposition of severe fiscal restraints to help stabilise its economy and stimulate growth. It is not clear whether the results have been positive. But, what is clear Dominica needs substantial infusions of capital and money for sustainable development.

So, here comes her Diaspora? Or so we would think! Assuming there are 70,000 Diasporans around the world, if every one were to give just $5.00 per month - the cost of one beer - to a Dominica Development Trust, we would be adding $350,000 (three hundred and fifty thousand dollars) every month or $4,200,000 (four million two hundred thousand dollars) annually to the Dominican economy! Wow!

Then, why don't we? That is the question I will attempt to discuss, hopefully, with restrained emotion. Here are the key words, which Dominicans overseas would like you to bear in mind: selfishness; distrust; dishonesty; corruption; and last, but not least, politics. Yes, these key words together raise your eyebrows, and I am sure you have seen my drift. Five dollars per month is so negligible that every Diasporan would gladly subscribe, but for these key words.

Selfishness: Some of us in the Diaspora are indeed selfish. We grab on tightly to our wallets and rationalise that we worked hard to earn our dollars and will not give it to some 'politician' at home to put in his pocket. How do you describe this behaviour?

Distrust: How do I know that my money will go where they say it will? One cannot dismiss this reasoning, because many a Diasporan have experienced fraudulent behaviour from those they have trusted with their money. Even yours truly has learnt from this experience.

Dishonesty: A close relative of distrust, dishonesty rears its ugly head when others you trust with your money use it for their own purposes without your consent and knowledge. It is very difficult and heartbreaking to witness such purveyors of deceit.

Corruption: The use of this key word is rampant all over the world. Dominica is no exception. All her governments have been accused of its practice. It is no wonder, therefore, that fear of corruption appears to be the major obstacle in giving to organisations.

Politics: I have deliberately left this key word last because of its pervasive effect. Nothing of national significance happens in Dominica without the influence of politics, however subtle. What if the funds of the Trust were used for unauthorised political reasons? What if the management of the Trust were politically aligned?

My next page will continue on the Diaspora - Brain Drain and Dominican Diaspora - Pt. Two.

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