The Diaspora Is Not a Dollar Sign

Remittances matter. But the greatest untapped asset of the Jamaican diaspora is its skills.

Dr. Peter Edwards
3 min read

Whenever Jamaica talks about its diaspora, the conversation tends to turn to money: remittances, investment and philanthropy. That makes sense. Remittances have long been one of Jamaica's largest sources of foreign exchange. But in 2013, ahead of that year's Jamaica Diaspora Conference, I argued that the diaspora is much more than a dollar sign. More than a decade later, and now serving as Environment Sector Lead on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, I believe it more strongly than ever.

Not one diaspora but many

The diaspora is not a single group of retirees with savings ready to invest. Some of us left recently for school or work. Some have just finished degrees; others are mid-career or raising young families. Many cannot move home or invest large sums. Together, though, we hold an enormous store of skills: scientists, engineers, economists, doctors, lawyers, data analysts and teachers, many working with the latest tools and methods.

Three ways to put skills to work

First, policy and analysis. Jamaica has many green papers, draft policies and laws waiting to be completed or updated. Diaspora professionals could contribute through research institutes, think tanks or structured volunteer programmes: benefit-cost analysis of major projects, policy evaluation, forecasting and drafting support. A database of diaspora professionals is only useful if it covers every discipline, not just business, and if someone actually calls on it.

Second, boards and committees. With video conferencing, there is little reason a qualified Jamaican abroad cannot serve on a national board or technical committee. Rules that stand in the way should be updated.

Third, mentorship and knowledge exchange. Diaspora professionals can mentor students and early-career Jamaicans, co-supervise research and connect local institutions to international networks.

Love, loyalty and skills

A version of our national pledge taught in schools speaks of offering “my love, my loyalty and skills” in the service of Jamaica. For many of us abroad, that pledge still holds. Jamaica should make it easy for us to keep it, with our skills and talents, not just our money. That is part of what EcoNexus is for: bringing Caribbean and diaspora professionals into the conversation about our environmental future.

Adapted from Peter Edwards's 2013 guest column on Jamaican diaspora engagement (“Jamaican Diaspora Engagement: More Than Money”), which argued that the diaspora is much more than a dollar sign. Views are the author's own and do not represent the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council.