Talking Dollars & Making Sense
Unlocking Guyana’s Diaspora Potential
By
Rennie Parris, MBA
Welcome back to Talking Dollars & Making Sense. Today, we’re diving deeper into the first pillar of our proposed Comprehensive National Development Plan for Guyana—focusing on our most valuable resource: human capital. Historically, many of our brightest minds build successful careers abroad, benefiting foreign countries more than their own. Meanwhile, Guyana’s reliance on remittances, which reached US$550 million in 2023, barely scratches the surface of what our global community can truly provide. Imagine if we could leverage the diaspora’s expertise, networks, and capital in a structured, strategic way. That’s exactly what this proposal aims to accomplish.
At its core, national development is about uplifting people and ensuring that every citizen can shape and benefit from the country’s progress. Yet, according to the Migration Policy Institute, 90% of Guyanese with tertiary education and 40% with secondary education live abroad. This isn’t just an idle statistic; it’s a call to action. Our diaspora is a wellspring of talent and resources. By bringing home even a fraction of these skilled professionals, we can revolutionize sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and legal and regulatory reform. This is no mere aspiration—it’s a practical, achievable objective when supported by focused planning and strong political will.
The journey begins with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation establishing direct ties with Guyanese associations and networks across the globe. Targeted advertising campaigns can invite members of the diaspora to submit their resumes and references. An annual diaspora conference in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can promote direct engagement. Partnering with a reputable employment and background check firm will ensure that only the most qualified candidates advance. While mid-career professionals often come to mind first, we should also consider recent retirees, who bring decades of experience and a desire to make meaningful contributions. Established entrepreneurs can introduce fresh ideas, drive innovation, and help cultivate a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, philanthropists looking to invest their time and resources can be valuable contributors to Guyana’s development.
For professionals who remain active in the workforce, the Guyanese government could collaborate with employers to offer one-year sabbaticals for diaspora professionals to return home and work on national projects with competitively paid contracts. Extended or multi-year contracts should also be available for those willing to spend more time on the ground. To maintain momentum, a dedicated digital platform or diaspora register should be established. This would track skilled Guyanese, list current and upcoming projects, and facilitate direct communication between government agencies and diaspora professionals. Over time, this database will become a living resource for matching Guyana’s needs with the diaspora’s expertise.
Adapting to life back in Guyana can be challenging, especially for those accustomed to different cultural, professional, and infrastructural norms. Establishing a residential hub with reliable security, modern amenities, and efficient transportation creates a comfortable base for those without a home in Guyana. This community promotes connection and collaboration among returning professionals, providing a sense of familiarity that enables them to concentrate on the vital work of nation-building rather than logistical issues. A short, intensive cultural training program focused on Guyanese customs can minimize friction between diaspora returnees and local teams. By highlighting cultural norms, workplace expectations, and the realities of on-the-ground project management, the training ensures effective collaboration between both groups. Furthermore, every contract should mandate knowledge transfer. Whether it involves modernizing healthcare protocols, integrating new software platforms in public administration, or improving agricultural methods, returning professionals must share their expertise with local teams. This approach not only bolsters our immediate capacity but also nurtures a pipeline of homegrown talent for the future.
While this plan offers significant opportunities, it is important to acknowledge potential barriers. Bureaucratic inefficiencies in recruiting and integrating diaspora professionals must be tackled through transparent policies and streamlined visa and work permit processes. Differences in workplace culture between returning professionals and local teams could cause friction if not proactively managed through training and mentorship. Public perception and resistance to the reintegration of diaspora professionals into leadership roles must be handled carefully to avoid alienating local talent. Gaps in infrastructure, such as housing, healthcare, and education, may discourage diaspora returnees from relocating permanently. Addressing these challenges through policy reform, stakeholder engagement, and structured reintegration programs will be vital for success.
Efficient deployment is essential. Before diaspora teams even arrive, they can collaborate virtually with local counterparts using project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com. By organizing tasks, timelines, and objectives online, both local and diaspora teams can start strong. The result is less time spent on preliminary planning and more energy focused on execution, training, and capacity building. No one overlooks the significance of remittances, which have long been a financial lifeline for families. However, the true transformative power lies in utilizing the diaspora’s skill sets and global networks. Picture healthcare facilities reimagined by diaspora doctors and nurses, infrastructure projects managed by seasoned engineers, and a tech sector revitalized by Guyanese innovators from major global hubs. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a feasible plan with the right combination of political will and strategic investment. Whichever administration effectively implements this diaspora strategy has the potential to catalyze lasting development in Guyana.
Guyana is no stranger to opportunity, but opportunity alone doesn’t guarantee success. True progress requires us to mobilize every available resource—chief among them, our diaspora. Through effective recruitment, organized employment, well-planned housing, and a strong commitment to knowledge transfer, we can bring about a transformation unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. This isn’t just another policy recommendation; it’s a moral imperative and a rallying cry for Guyanese worldwide. Our country deserves the very best, and we already possess it. All we need to do is extend our hands and welcome them back home. Do you have thoughts or questions about how we can make this vision a reality? I’d love to hear from you at [email protected]. Let’s shape Guyana’s future together—one returning professional, retiree, entrepreneur, and visionary at a time.
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