Is Jamaica ready to reintegrate citizens returning from the US?

By Racquel Porter   

 

At least one economist is calling for the government to clearly outline measures that would facilitate the smooth reintegration of Jamaicans who opt to return home instead of being deported from the US.

 

Last week, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness appealed to Jamaicans to come home and help build the country, amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants.

 

Some 5,120 Jamaicans have been pegged for immediate removal. 

 

But the question on the lips of many since the Prime Minister's appeal has been "Come home to what?"

 

Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora took to social media platforms to voice their concerns about crime, a liveable wage and housing.

 

Speaking with Radio Jamaica News, economist Keenan Falconer said while Jamaicans may have fled the island in search of a better financial future, they too have had to deal with social and political problems that affect their quality of life. 

 

"Most persons who do migrate, if given the option, they would not have left only because of financial pressures. So if the Prime Minister is making the call for persons to come home, then that now has to be juxtaposed with and balanced by the consideration of continuing to make the economy stronger that will be able to facilitate persons' hopes, dreams and aspirations that they will not have to leave in the first place," he argued. 

 

Mr. Falconer said it is now time for the government to consider its policies in terms of skills assessment and training of the labour force.

 

Meanwhile, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has said two online portals have been developed to deliver information on services the government provides to its nationals through various embassies and consular offices; links to key agencies locally; and opportunities for investment in Jamaica.

 

Additionally, the PIOJ said the Plan of Action to accompany the Diaspora Policy is being formulated.

 

Implementation of the policy is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

 

The PIOJ said a number of initiatives will be undertaken in the new financial year that will further improve the government's reintegration programme.