The Guyanese Diaspora

Governments all over the world, especially in countries where there are high rates of migration, have sought to explore ways in which they can tap into the resources, both human and financial, acquired by their citizens over the years in their adopted countries. In fact, there are many countries that have successfully taken advantage of this important resource, such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, China, etc.

In fact, development partners are developing Diaspora engagement strategies because they can no longer ignore the potential value of this important source of human and financial capital. It is well accepted that Diasporas can play an important role in the economic development of their countries of origin. Beyond their role as senders of remittances back home, Diasporas can also promote trade and foreign direct investment, create businesses and spur entrepreneurship, and transfer new knowledge and skills.

Although some policymakers see their nationals abroad as a loss, they are increasingly realising that an engaged Diaspora can be an asset, or even a counterweight to the emigration of skilled and talented migrants. For example, Indian healthcare professionals have contributed to India in many different ways. Indian doctor entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom, United States, and the Middle East and Indian Diaspora associations in the medical profession have helped set up world-class corporate hospitals and specialty healthcare establishments in India. Similar situations also exist in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China and many other countries.

In Guyana, the issue of the Diaspora and how its members can contribute to the country’s development has been a subject of much discussion. More often than not, these discussions have always been centred on how we can encourage the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese living outside of the country to return and serve in specific areas where there is a shortage of skills, or engage in investment opportunities.

Apart from social and political contributions, there are other spheres such as art, culture, and media where the Diaspora can be helpful to their country of origin.

The then PPP/C Administration had started to put a series of measures in place aimed at luring the Diaspora to return ‘home’. These included house lots in the new remigrant housing scheme and duty-free concessions. Also, not long after the APNU/AFC Government took the reins of political power, officials sought to engage the Diaspora in various parts of North America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. They went on several missions with the aim of wooing Guyanese living abroad to return home and invest their monies or serve in the Public Sector.

Such engagements are always necessary as they provide an important avenue for citizens residing abroad to engage in dialogue with political leaders of their home country concerning issues of development and how they, the Diaspora, can play a part. However, such engagement must be ongoing with efficient reporting and follow-up mechanisms in place to ensure agreements made are implemented in a timely manner. To date, we are not certain as to the level of successes the Government has had since these engagements started.

Notwithstanding that, our hope is that the Government will continue to aggressively pursue and strengthen relations with Guyanese Diaspora groups. Certainly, much more needs to be done if our development potential is to be fully realised. For sure, Guyanese at home will not be able to push this level of development alone as we are too small in numbers and do not possess all the skills required to undertake this massive task.

It is well known that there is a shortage of skills in Guyana, especially in the technical areas. For example, with the emerging oil and gas sector, there is a dire need for expertise in certain key areas if Guyana is to fully take advantage of the many opportunities available; and here is where we can tap in to the skills and knowledge of those in the Diaspora.

Certainly, there is a vast untapped potential in the Guyanese Diaspora; and as we have stated before, it could result in a win-win situation for all. By bringing back finance, skills, culture and new ideas acquired abroad, the Diaspora can be very influential in helping us create and develop a more modern and prosperous country; at the same time, they could also utilise their finances to take advantage of the many investment opportunities here.