Created: 2009-05-05 00:39:03

Updated: 2014-07-14 11:47:52

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On the basis of the trends and patterns of Caribbean in- and out-migration, an important issue
for policy is the recognition of the potential value of the free movement of people, both to
individuals and countries. A contradictory, therefore negative factor, could be the
reinforcement of dependency of Caribbean countries, especially in relation to countries of the
North. From the perspective of culture, there could be the danger of local traditions being lost
as they become overwhelmed by the dominance of North American or European culture and
tastes of all kinds, not least that for imported fast food' instead of local varieties.

Although there are dangers in this, the trends towards increasing globalization at the
beginning of the twenty-first century make integration in global networks an imperative for
development. Without the transnational communities, the alternative could be a total
displacement of local cultures and traditions. The transnational community actually provides
one of the most effective ways of counter-balancing the direction of cultural importation, by
providing critical linkages for the strengthening of Caribbean culture and the reaping of some
of its economic rewards. Migration has long been a means of extending the opportunities,
and overcoming some of the limitations, of small, developing Caribbean states and, overall,
has enriched the region in a variety of ways.

The trends have shown that Caribbean migration is highly responsive to occupational and
educational opportunities in other countries, yet there is also a strong tendency to return to
the native country later on. Strategies for harnessing the potential human capital at all points
of the migration trajectory, as well as the financial and other material generated by and
available through migration, are necessary so that these potential assets are not wasted.

With regard to the movement of human capital, an initiative for filling labour force needs
throughout the Caribbean followed the West Indian Commission Report Time for Action
(1992). The free movement of labour between countries of the Caribbean Community was
proposed, with a view to establishing a single market for human resources, served by a
common pool of workers at all levels of skill. The intention was to begin with opportunities for
freer movement of professional and skilled persons, starting with graduates of the University
of the West Indies, itself a regional institution. It is important that initiatives such as this be
fully implemented and more effectively facilitated than is currently the case. Return migrants
have demonstrated their propensity for leading and becoming involved in developmental
projects. This is input and potential input in which national governments should be proactive,
engaging in dialogue with migrant groups in order that efforts be sustainable in their effects.

In terms of financial capital, there are already strong indications of the potential flows back to
the original source countries associated with the migration process. The transnational
household and return migration are of particular value in the generation and direction of

these flows. The creation and publicizing of incentives for investment are not only an
imperative but must be of such a kind that they are sustainable in their impact. This is
especially important given the uncertainty of the period over which large remittances will be
received, for they will only be sustained for as long as migrants continue to return to their
countries of origin.

Jamaica Population Pyramid for 2010

(Source: TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF MIGRATION TO AND FROMCARIBBEAN COUNTRIES Elizabeth Thomas-Hope)

Jamaica Population Pyramid for 2020

(Source: TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF MIGRATION TO AND FROMCARIBBEAN COUNTRIES Elizabeth Thomas-Hope)