Brain Drain and Dominican Diaspora - Pt. Two

Following from Part One of the above subject title, you will conclude that there is something amiss between the Diaspora and its homeland. You are right, of course. I am sure most of you Diasporans have experienced, or know some who have experienced, some kind of rejection - for want of a better word - from our brothers and sisters at home. I have. Mine ended in a verbal confrontation with a member of the Bar, who thought I should have remained in Dominica rather than emigrating to Canada. Since then, I have tried to understand what is at the root of this disharmony.

Here are some of the excuses given by residents at home:

1. You left us to struggle with difficult economic conditions and took refuge overseas, when the country needed you most
2. You guys come back on holidays or to retire but have not made any contribution to national development
3. Diasporans stand on their high horses and try to dictate how those who stayed behind should run our country
4. Some of you with academic qualifications try to laud your high education over us
5. We can take care of ourselves and don't need you patronising us

I expect you have heard other excuses as well, which I urge you to share with us in the comment section below.

These five randomly selected excuses are couched in my own words. But their message is loud and clear. Overseas Dominicans are not really welcome back home!

Ironically, the government of our homeland, for two years now, has a minister responsible for Diaspora Affairs as a separate responsibility. However, the Diaspora is still waiting on a clear policy statement on the functions and responsibilities of the department. Enough said.

As to the five excuses given for the disunity between the overseas and local Dominicans, I will examine them and try to discern exactly what they mean.

1. We abandoned them: To leave your country in search of higher education that your country cannot provide is a worthy decision in our culture. Education cannot be used as an excuse for anything. It is a legitimate pursuit which must be encouraged, particularly in this hi-tech world environment. It is even more commendable when the intent is to return better qualified to help your country.

To leave in search of better economic opportunity is also worthy for two obvious reasons: to improve your standard of living and of those dependents left behind; and, secondly, to relieve the burden on your country's unemployment situation.

2. No contribution to national development: Such an excuse presupposes that you had the opportunity to do so had you stayed. This is clealy without substance, unless you were given the opportunity, which you declined. Some of us wished we had the opportunity.

3. We dictate how to run the country: As far as I am aware, Diasporans only offer solutions for development initiatives. That is the only recourse open to participate in absentia. This is the purpose for the development of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS). I can only assume this excuse tries to down-play the dire lack of managerial capacity at home.

4. Diaspora lauds education over those at home: This excuse is only a perception in some people's minds. I have not seen this in actual practice and, if it occurs at all, it would have to be at the level of individual exchanges, not of any national concern.

5. We patronise those at home: The notion that Diasporans are doing Dominicans at home a favour is wrongly characterised. Diasporans are trying to help their country, which they love and are entitled to do so. All developing nations need help from their respective Diaspora, and several nations gladly attribute their development successes to the role played by their Diasporas.

This subject is incomplete without your comments. I look forward, therefore, to continued discussion.

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