Maybe you’ve been away for a little while and you’re feeling homesick. Or maybe you’ve been away longer than expected and miss familiar family and friends. Is it possible that you left thinking you’d never come back, but now you’re wondering, what if you did? Being a person from the Caribbean islands likely made you a successful and driven person in the new world you settled in.
Historically, the Caribbean has been created by adventurous and driven souls. Those who leave and return value their time away. In fact, they become more culturally aware of who they are in the context of the global economy and as a result of their smart decisions.
Marcus Garvey was quoted: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origins and culture is like a tree without roots.” Caribbean nations are building and accumulating achievements and putting down roots like never before. This is a special draw to come home to. Of course, the largest economic sector is still tourism, which has recently been affected by the 2020 pandemic and climate change. In 2019, the tourism industry contributed almost $59 billion to GDP. However, many Caribbean countries have built remarkable strength and resilience over the past 75 years by investing in their people. The result has indeed been positive economic impacts, such as investment in entrepreneurial endeavours, which have made the aforementioned negative impacts smaller than the Caribbean story might have given them.
For example, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are seen as a key enabler in many sectors and services (eg water, energy, education, health) and indicators of the Caribbean’s current economic growth. ICTs also provide employment and provide tools to reduce poverty. There is a positive economic impact resulting from the investment made in telecommunications and, more specifically, in Internet connectivity. There are significant opportunities for its people to benefit from regional efforts to use ICT to facilitate and initiate policies and initiatives across sectors and services. However, while the region has seen an overall expansion of cellular mobile usage, the spread and use of ICTs across countries continues to be a need, particularly within fiber and LTE services. This exposes a massive opportunity for well-paying jobs and needed leadership in this space.
Recently, we have seen a boost in the orange economy as well as in the agricultural industry. These areas are ripe with potential to become the future tourism industry, contributing significantly to GDP.
Experience teaches wisdom. And what Caribbean nations need more than ever is the wisdom of the unique experiences of their people. So consider these key differences as you make your decision to move back.
A different set of eyes
Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Being away will likely give you a different set of eyes to follow the life you’re looking for back home. Because you see things differently, you can contribute more to your home culture than you would if you never left. There is a 2011 study of returning Mexican immigrants and it is reported that returning immigrants have higher access to disposable income and investment funds, as well as faster access to housing and better education. They expect more from public officials and talk about corruption. The presence of return migrants actually reduces the likelihood of violence, and they inject their cities with much-needed social and human capital.
Big Fish / Small Pond
Prashant Loyalka, Assistant Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Education published in the November 2018 issue of Comparative education review, strong evidence that the big-fish-little-fish-pond effect exists. “We have a tendency to compare ourselves to others in terms of our abilities and, because of this, we tend to feel better or worse bad for ourselves. It is central to who we are.” Many people who move to bigger cities from the islands experience a bit of “shock to the system” and can feel like they’ve become a small fish in a big pond. Competition for access and resources is less. The thought of returning to your Caribbean roots can help you feel like your path is clearer. Become a big fish in a small pond, which gives you the opportunity to become a big fish in bigger ponds. Additionally, getting familiar with your surroundings or returning to a familiar place gives you immeasurable comfort and a place to spring from. Most importantly, it’s easier to find business and personal connections within a small pond. This can be very valuable for those looking to innovate or create a business.
return
This is an altruistic consideration, but one worth mentioning. How could you pay back if you moved home? This help can be found in the smallest details or, in the largest actions. Maybe it’s within your community or in the island environment? Have you seen things or done things that have worked within your current community that you would give anything to see happen at home? Can you work with others to do this? Returning home, you will create a new circle of like-minded friends. Aligning your personal values with the work you seek at home is personally very rewarding – but it can also contribute to a growing economy.
Give Back Barbados is an Educational, Technological and Vocational Training helping Barbadians with the National Give Back program 2018. Could there be a need to fill by starting your own non-profit business focused on helping other brothers and sisters to strengthen and build their lives or communities?
values
Many Caribbean families consist of extended extended relatives in addition to larger families. Getting back to “being there” for others can have positive impacts not only on yourself, but also on your extended family. Being able to see your parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, whenever you want, may have been something taken for granted that is now more valued. Perhaps starting your family in a tight-knit community is much more appealing. There’s a lot of value in raising a family in a familiar place, where schooling, childcare, health care and community are much easier to navigate.
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