Bertram O. Leon SLPM, President of U SLOA
Over the past decade, we have been witnessing a growing number of countries becoming interested in revisiting, refreshing and rebuilding relations with their overseas populations. A contemporary subject of public policy, referred to as Diaspora strategy or policy, has emerged.
Not surprisingly, there now exists, emergent interest in formulating Diaspora strategies to enhance and build relations with what’s been termed the ‘overseas constituency’.
We are also seeing some countries moving to institutionalise the work of their Diaspora movement, by establishing joint select bi-partisan committees on Diaspora affairs in their Parliament. As an example, and responding at a convention in Jamaica, the former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding underscored his Government’s commitment, not only to the achievements of their nation, but emphasising that key aspects of Jamaica’s future development, hinges on the partnership and involvement of all stakeholders, including Jamaicans in the Diaspora.
To support this, according to Inter-American Development Bank figures, off-island Jamaicans globally contributed over US $2 Billion via remittances to their economy in 2010 alone. Remittances appear to far outpace other foreign exchange inflows into the Jamaican economy. Other sister islands like Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, and Grenada are taking similar strategic approaches towards their Diaspora, and are themselves hosting conferences, conventions and homecomings.
Since St Lucia’s Independence in 1979, several meetings have been co-sponsored by successive administrations to showcase the potential which exits in our St Lucian people at home and abroad, and to encourage and establish longer-term relationships between St Lucia and its overseas Diaspora. In 2008, in Barbados, during the 13th Biennial Convention of the Union of St Lucian Overseas Associations (USLOA), Prime Minister – Stephenson King gave a formal undertaking and assurance that special attention would be given to the concerns of Saint Lucians residing in other countries. This commitment was reinforced with the appointment of Ambassador Dr. June Soomer (the person who would be responsible for Diaspora issues).
In 2010, during the 14th Biennial Convention (in St Lucia), the government introduced a concept paper titled – ‘Towards a Draft Saint Lucia Diaspora Policy’ for discussion amongst the St Lucian Diaspora. The election in 2011, temporarily halted proceedings, but at the 15th Biennial Convention held in July 2012, the current Prime Minister – Dr Kenny D. Anthony gave a positive indication and signalled that business would resume on the policy document. We are now at a point in our journey where we must take stock of the status of our progress towards that objective.
I mentioned at the convention in 2010, that many St Lucians who left the shores of their homeland have gone on to distinguish themselves in several diverse areas including business, health care, education, local government, technology and law. The desire amongst us to contribute to nation building is as great as ever and probably more so now. There is an even greater willingness on the Diaspora’s part to engage, in order to help our country shape an agenda and path, which will serve to enhance development and inclusion for the common good of all St Lucians and friends of St Lucia.
So, what do I believe is now needed to move this agenda forward; I believe that our government should be resolute in enacting the necessary policies that would formalise the relationship between the Diaspora and St Lucia. This should include:
-Promoting national discussion at home and abroad on the role of the Diaspora in the national development agenda; formation of a committee of persons drawn from the Diaspora, the local community and representatives from overseas missions, to present applicable measures for action by our government; develop a programme of coordination and liaison between St Lucians and the other regional governments, pursuing similar efforts of empowering their overseas Diaspora to act in consort on matters of common interest; and promote the Diaspora’s direct investment and support in various sectors of the economy in for example, the youth sector, health, education and business.
Dr. June Soomer. Photo courtesy caricom.org
I am however mindful that some sceptics may ask – will St Lucia benefit from a more strategic engagement with its overseas citizens? Which institution(s) within St Lucia, should be tasked with the responsibility of formulating and overseeing a Diaspora strategy, or should a new institution be created for this purpose?
Should and can the St Lucian government play an active or enhanced role in building the Diaspora? How can the St Lucian Diaspora be connected, so as to improve the competitiveness of St Lucian business and to stimulate St Lucia’s economic development?
What challenges does the St Lucian Diaspora present to St Lucian citizenship policy and what should be the response? These are undoubtedly very important questions, which will have to be addressed. However, I must underline that the Diaspora will have to occupy a central position in any policy development, if we are to move this initiative forward.
I do believe that adopting such a policy could herald a new chapter and an era of stronger, closer cooperation and collaboration, among those whose interest is to see us work for the common good and advancement of our country. It has long been recognised that St Lucians in the Diaspora must organise themselves to represent much more than just a foreign exchange flow and that we should be shaping policies and programs with a view to assisting St Lucia. It must also be recognised that we are an important source, contributing immensely to our country’s national income.
So whatever line one takes on the diaspora debate, what is now beyond doubt is that our remittances are in fact a net contributor of those cash inflows forming the core of resources in the hands of local people with relatives overseas. Sharing our thoughts and perspective on the merits of a policy is bound to create synergies and if this is used effectively, it can be beneficial and act as a springboard for exploring and identifying solutions to the myriad social, economic, environmental and other issues that St Lucia has to deal with.
I am happy to repeat the statement I made 2 years ago when I said that, our true strength and that of any nation lies in its people whether they are at home or aboard. Our people are a tremendous resource, and their input into our development, provides us with the basis, for crafting an enduring economic and social dynamic, whose spinoff benefits could ensure prosperity, sustainability development and opportunities across our island.
The St Lucian Diaspora remains an integral part of that resource and more importantly, the St Lucia national state. So, the effort and contribution of the Diaspora should be welcomed, encouraged and utilised effectively, rather than being ignored, marginalized or not taken seriously. I am sure many will agree that our country is forward thinking; so I think it is fair to say that St Lucia, like all of the Caribbean, needs to embrace the Diaspora, as the country’s sovereignty and economic, social, political and cultural nourishment are inextricably linked to the many thousands residing abroad.
There is much we can learn in the field of Diaspora strategy and development from existing international practice, from countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, China and India, who have been particularly active in leading the debate in the past decade. Other examples are countries such as the Philippines, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who have for a long time developed a range of consular and other services for migrant workers, with a view to continuing their engagement with the home country. Other governments have made a particular point of highlighting the role played by the Diaspora.
In several African countries, such as Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria, ‘homecoming summits’ have been organised, to allow for discussions of opportunities and partnership between the Diaspora and home country. In going beyond the mere establishment of relationships with the Diaspora, and amongst those perceived as having developed more successful policies in that area, are China, India and Taiwan – all have business-orientated models to involve their Diaspora in development activity in a multi-dimensional sense. In contrast, Taiwan has focused less on investment and more on making use of expatriates’ skills.
Their government has systematically invited many professionals to visit, to teach and network, including paying for their attendance at government-sponsored national development conferences. I see a Diaspora policy as being a powerful developmental tool for harnessing and engaging the Diaspora. Equally, it can act as an essential link in the chain of events that must unfold, as St Lucia moves forward.
There is a tremendous capability in terms of the level of creativity, talent, expertise, passion, and commitment in the Diaspora, which can facilitate and build alliances with key regional and international partners or players, and develop various businesses and other opportunities in several disciplines. What is lacking however is an institutionalised platform, to organise and leverage these collective talents and influence, to address local or regional issues. A Diaspora policy could meet those needs and galvanise our overseas talents to “kontinwe bati Sent Lisi” “continue to build St Lucia”.
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