Solving Jamaica’s ‘brain drain’ conundrum

Indeed, this is welcoming news.

However, while we breathe some relief it cannot be ignored that more investments are needed to retain Jamaica’s young professionals; better salary packages are very important and must not be brushed aside, but that remains one of the many options available to the country’s policymakers.

Brand Jamaica goes beyond the global community loving our music, our prowess in sporting events, dancing, and the ebullience of the people. The desires and obvious targeting of professionals, such as teachers, doctors, police officers, nurses, and other allied health professions, are other areas of brand Jamaica sought after by the global community. For many Jamaicans the financial burden of acquiring higher education is a major deterrent, however some pull through with assistance from families and friends, and others by becoming successful applicants at the students’ loan bureau. But the indebtedness associated with the acquisition of higher education becomes a burdensome nightmare for some; and it is therefore not surprising that financial freedom is at the forefront on their minds.

Tuition varies across institutions locally; many will have a standard tuition fee with accompanying miscellaneous and other payment requirements per course. Here are a few randomly identified and shared fee structures found on tertiary institution websites:

• Bachelor’s in Education (primary, secondary, high) approximately J$1,175,126 (a 4 program tuition only 2023-2024)
• Bachelor of Basic Medical Sciences for sponsored students from contributing countries approximately J$571,284 and non-sponsored students from contributing countries J$952,041 (tuition only per annum 2023-2024).
• Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) for sponsored students from contributing countries approximately J$736,996 and non-sponsored students from contributing countries J$4,396,000 (tuition only per annum 2023-2024).
• Bachelor of Nursing approximately J$816,400 (tuition only per annum 2023-2024)

Many would like to free themselves from home renting, for some it is the desire to be free from loans, looking for socioeconomically freedom in their lives, as well as in the lives of family members looking to them for support. It is the desire for financial freedom that causes lucrative offers of overseas employment to be seemingly more attractive. Our professionals are not only migrating to the USA, UK or the Middle East, some are leaving to Caribbean countries like Bahamas, Barbados and The Cayman Islands.

It is imperative that we acknowledge that migration of professionals form a part of all developing countries, it also happens in developed countries because of the desires for more lucrative alternatives. For example, Dubai is attractive to professionals from developing and developed countries because they have more remuneration to offer. How can a country like Jamaica capitalize on training our brilliant minds to fill the void at home and abroad?

In 1991 the government of the day invested in nursing education for young Jamaicans with a passion for healthcare. I was one of 106 young Jamaicans who studied under that programme. The programme offered an opportunity for higher education to many Jamaicans. At the end of the training period each student was required to serve the government and people of Jamaica for two years (a contractual bond). For many this programme provided them with an opportunity to acquire higher education that was seemingly impossible because they nor their families could afford to fulfill that academic dream or passion due to lack of resources.

In recent times, private corporations and individuals are assisting a few along the path to academic prowess but there are so many more who we need to reach.

In an article published by the Jamaica Star on November 21, 2023, it carried a story of a young man desirous of pursuing a career in general nursing but unable to do so due to financial constraints and other challenges expressed in the aforementioned. Janoi Calder’s story isn’t one borne in isolation but one that resonates with many young people and even those much older who have longed given up hope on pursuing their dreams.

It is my opinion that we cannot continue to only speak about migration of our young professionals who leave for more lucrative offers, which is in their view is a form of liberation from the poverty of the ‘hand to mouth’ living, and not do something meaningful about the issue.

What can be done?

Let us invest in the education of gifted and talented Jamaicans, help them overcome financial challenges preventing higher education, the government covers the education cost for the JCF and JDF officers.  Revisit the contractual bonding programmes. Some will leave but some will stay, and we will continue to provide the world with the brilliant minds of Jamaicans who will always help friends, families, and the business community and nation development ‘back a yaad’.

Alaphiah Campbell Byfield, Ph.D. JP is a registered general nurse, nurse preceptor, health psychologist; industrial and organizational psychologist; life coach; and pharmaceuticals professional. Send feedback to yourvoice876@gmail.com.