🇮🇪 ☘THE IRISH DIASPORA in Jamaica? 🇯🇲 I'm looking for people from the Irish Diaspora in Jamaica, who can participate in my video about the link between Jamaica and Ireland! Please contact me with the topic "Irish in Jamaica" here: jamaicawithirie@gmail.com === If Jamaica is so great, why are Jamaicans leaving? The so-called 🧠"BRAIN DRAIN" in Jamaica is one of the highest in the world, BUT guess what - the reasons for it are NOT what you think they are! The research I've done is bringing to life some factors that are hardly ever discussed in the media, so I hope you find this video interesting!
The term brain drain as it relates to Jamaica is misleading in that it gives the impression that the migrants are neurosurgeons , astrophysicists or computer scientist . The Jamaican diaspora for most purposes is a proletariat and it is loosely integrated into the host communities. There is a significant criminal stigma attached to this group as well . What is lost in the economic migration debate is the concept of purchasing power parity . A migrant from the Jamaican upper class is not going to be integrated into the upper classes in any of the host countries mentioned and for the most part exist in a strata below the lower middle classes are even part of the host country proletariat. The economic success are also not evident , how many multi millionaires are there in the diaspora mentioned ? How many companies are created and owned by the diaspora ? The diaspora is uniquely a working class heavily subsidised by welfare payments in their host countries . The economic benefits is limited to a second hand car , a mortgage and a credit card for those who are lucky all of which could have been attained with hard work and insight had they chose to be patriotic. The real pull factor of the emigration is low self esteem a lack of imagination and ideas and a continuation of participation in neo colonial reality . The merits of this emigration is going to be sorely tested in the new emerging reality of MAGA whether it’s Trump part 2 or Desantis The narrative of the migrants in Germany after the collapse of the Weimar Republic has not been heeded not that the migrants on the move nowadays would necessarily have the historical knowledge to benefit from this . In todays political environment the term migrant is a euphemism for a global nuisance, in the MAGA jargon they are rapist and criminals and the source of corruption of western civilisation just ask Tucker Carlson or Trump or MTG .
@@PL-ju2uj I see a racist bigot in this comment. Our doctors and nurses are worldwide, not to mention our engineers teachers. You my friend need to educate yourself and stop speaking from your arse.
@@PL-ju2uj hm, very interesting points in this comment and if you have some sources that you can share for this information about the Jamaican diaspora - I would really appreciate. So far, I was only able to find that 1/3 of all Jamaican emigrants have tertiary education, which means that are at least 33% of all people who migrate are not "low skilled" or "working class" people. My personal experience has also showed that a significant number of Jamaicans in the diaspora are VERY successful, whether we're talking about doing high level jobs or running their own business. A few of these Jamaicans are featured on my channel, for example check out the interview with Throp, whose Jamaican father built a large company in NYC or watch the interview with Mark Anthony Hill - a Jamaican artist who lives in the US.. I've also had the chance of meeting the subscribers of this channel who are the members of the Jamaican diaspora - highly successful and intelligent people, engineers, doctors, IT specialists, business owners etc. As for the argument of "not being able to get integrated into the upper classes".. well... the current vice president of the USA, Kamala Harris, is from the Jamaican Diaspora. How much "upper" can you go in the "upper class" than this? However, I haven't actually done a deep research on this, so if you can share some sources to back up the information you've provided in the comment, I would definitely be interested to study them. Thank you!
@@PL-ju2uj LOL! Since when does brain drain refer to neuroscientists? There a few on the planet and because Jamaica doesn't produce any (that I am aware of) means that we're all proles. Many of us are VERY well educated, by international standards. This is exactly what I meant when I suggested that the diaspora tries to hold Jamaica to ridiculous standards. Anyway, the TRUE Jamaican upper class (not upper middle class that most people see) are rich by world standards. I personally know Jamaicans who are US millionaires. Micheal Lee Chin is a Canadian billionaire. I know it's hard for some members of the diaspora to accept that Jamaicans are doing well, maybe even better than those abroad, but, come on! It is a true reversal of fortunes, but it is what it is.
@@PL-ju2uj excuse me, but trump will never be president, Carlson is a has been, and Desatan will continue to ruin Florida only. Most Jamaicans in the US are NOT on welfare. At least not in Massachusetts or Florida for sure, and I know plenty in NY that aren't. While there are too many MAGA dummies in Florida, they'll never be enough nationwide. Never was and never will. I'm surprised you ventured out from the safe haven of Twitter and truth social or whatever that failing dump is called.
It took an imigrant to see the potentialities of our country. Thank you Irie for illuminating the consciousness of us Jamaicans home and abroad. You are a value added to Jamaica.
As a jamaican, living in Jamaica I've experienced many of my friends and family migrated. I've been always reluctant to leave, now I'm traveling and experiencing other countries firsthand, Ive decided Jamaica is my home. Thanks to you Irene, another reason to be proud
Thank you for this video. I've been telling Jamaicans that they don't need to leave. There is actually MORE opportunity in Jamaica to develop a business with less competition than the US. However, most Jamaicans are looking for a JOB. The jobs suck in Jamaica and if they were to change their mindset things would change. I was born in the US, but all of my aunts and uncles were born in Jamaica. Everyone who came to the US did less in their life than the ones who stayed behind and built businesses. All of them who stayed behind own their own homes, while almost all of my uncles and aunts in the US are still renting and waiting to rely on social security to retire. Now ready to retire, realizing they never amounted to anything in the US are now looking to go back to Jamaica and live there off their retirement money. I'm sure that my family's experience is not unique
Wow bredda so accurate foreign is a trap if you don't get a big opportunity in foreign it's hard to make something of yourself especially the last 15yrs
It’s not a one brush paint all. Jamaica might be better for some while the US might be better for others. I am now living in the US, not because it’s what I desired to do but because life in Jamaica got to the point where you have to know the right people, ignore the corruption, hope and pray you leave home and reach back safe, endure and accept extortion as a way of life if you decide to run any business (from selling sweets to running a big corporation) and I could go on and on. Sure it’s less freedom in the US and you have to work much harder but it’s far easier to navigate your way if you decide to retire in Jamaica. Jamaica is beautiful but we must admit the opportunities are getting less and less to the point where not even a masters degree guarantees you a good paying job to help you get a good foundation to start a business. I love my country to my heart but I am better able to provide for my family living and working here in the US.
@@AniphFrazerYou have said exactly what I intended to. I would also like to add that Jamaica is just the way the powers that be want it. Now, there is talk about focusing on STEM, yet mostly call centres are being built as places of employment. Already, uni graduates have to be working in these places that pay so badly. I would wish that everyone could be a business owner because work/a job is simply a form of exploitation, and it's also just not going to happen. Jamaica is great as a tourist destination, so those who can will just have to go abroad and use the money earned there to enjoy life here.
@@prm2335Yep, and add to that, I family members who live in the states and they are much better off than they were while in Jamaica. Including my own parents. So rightly said, it's not always one size fits all
Thanks for always exposing Jamaica in a positive way because we’ve been misguided to believe too many negatives about ourselves for over fifty years now. I welcome you as a new Jamaican to the nation of improvisers, brilliant and hard working people. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲.
An excellent, excellent video Irene, as usual. Your research is always thorough and your presentation is always objective NOT subjective meanwhile supporting and trying to build Jamaica, the country.
I'm a Jamaican living abroad as well, and like most Jamaicans living abroad I am ferociously proud to be a Jamaican and love my country. I may not like the things that the government is doing and all the opportunities it let's slip away from them to cultivate and build Jamaica as a country but I still love my country. And like many other Jamaicans abroad I would like to return to Jamaica someday but am weary. There is a tremendous opportunity in Jamaica to build it into the most prosperous Caribbean country in the West Indies as this commentator also realizes it has. The Jamaican government believes it has to rely on and compete with these oversees governments for prosperity. Which could not be further from the truth. If it builds on the natural and inherit aspects of the country the shortage of jobs for its inhabitants would significantly decrease, the crime rate would decrease (because a great deal of the criminality that goes on in the country is due to need, a hungry man is a angry man as the saying goes) the need for encouraging and implementing higher education especially in impoverished neighborhoods would skyrocket the growth and stability of the country, make these schools free or very low cost to attend so the students have the ability to learn. Stop believing in and buying into foreign produce, wear, and mentality, fortify the Jamaican, real Jamaican fortitude and culture. There is a reason people from all walks of life come there for our foods, clothes and culture. Build Jamaica by Jamaicans, invest in Jamaicans for Jamaica 🇯🇲 we will not be a world power, our country is only the size of Manhattan in NY but if we build or country up we'll be the shinning star of the Caribbean and West Indies. Skilled Jamaicans abroad want to come home, they want to establish businesses and help build. They need to see more care turned inward to the country and its people so they can help you build it to where its supposed to be. I only speak for myself and a multitude of others I know oversees that share this opinion. It's time for the government to stop focusing on whichever party it is and focus on the people of the country and the country itself and the brain drain will resolve dramatically and Jamaican prosperity and its people local and returnees will flourish.
@@angelafrancis6183the Jamaican... Government is lining their pockets with the money they should be using to build up Jamaica......we have greedy leaders that's Jamaica's problem!!!
My aunt was working in Jamaica for 30 years of her life and never had anything to her name. She went to the US and in 10 years, she's now retiring with a house in the suburbs in the US, a 7 bedroom mansion in Jamaica, 3 cars and one of her sons now has masters degree, the other is the CEO of a company. That's a success story of just one of my family members. I've seen first hand the countless amount of people in family and friend group who weren't able to achieve anything in Jamaica and went overseas and became successful. I'd love to stay here, but my ambition won't allow it.
@letsgrowandprosper6562 a mortgage only lasts 30 years if you pay the 30 year premium. If you increase your monthly payment, you can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your payment. I am well educated in economics. Don't do that.
@letsgrowandprosper6562bro you’re so dumb it’s hilarious. You know a mortgage can be way shorter than 30, 15 or ten years? Educate yourself and stop acting foolish
@@uchoobe1876 Facts, everyone thinks that you have to take mortgage, I know others who worked and bought their houses cash... Everyone does it different.
As a brit, I'm sorting out a Caribbean passport. There are many opportunities as its "being a big fish in a smaller pond" it's harder to make it in bigger countries
EXACTLY, foreign life isn’t EASYYYYYY, and only a few actually build up this big life, and most of them that’s having a big life, are working all day everyday and cannot even enjoy the dream life they worked so hard for
Thank you Irena for being a true Jamaican at heart. You are very analytic and balanced especially when it comes to the affairs of Jamaica. It takes someone like you, who is not a Jamaican by birth but by adoption to see the good in Jamaica. So many Jamaicans by birth cannot or perhaps refuse to see the positives that the country has to offer. We prefer to run away to other people' s country and help them build theirs instead of staying here and help our country with such great prospect, to become the place where families would want to live, work and do business.
Love your videos. As a nurse, I would make poverty wages in Jamaica relative to what I make, and can potentially make, in the US. So sometimes it's impractical to move back, even if you would like to, without changing professions. Add to these the complication and expense of acquiring property, a vehicle, unlearning certain behaviors, and offloading debt, and it isn't always an easy, linear transition. Yes, this isn't everyone's story and some people can easily make the transition back home, but there's a story to be told for the many that couldn't even if they wanted.
Love wish jamaica ? Mother fucker run away from Ukraine she a Ukrainian how all of a sudden them want live amongst people of color when them would not travel in the same train car that color people ride in ?
Irene I believe the trend of moving abroad will gradually slow down for a number of reasons including the economies of the big 3 not being as good as they used to be and also Jamaicans getting involved in the digital economy and content creation, farming etc.
yes, the trend is already slowing down, significantly. In fact, I hope we live to see a reverse trend for Jamaica - when more people coming to live in Jamaica than there are leaving.
You're so right. And I believe because so many Jamaicans now get visas with less stress than in the past, more people are seeing that the 'big 3' is really not what they thought. A lot more people are packing their bags and coming home to set up shop.
Thanks for this. Just by improving the infrastructure across the island-Road, water and electricity would go a long way in improving people’s quality of life here. Not everyone migrates for more money. Daily life in some areas of the island is really hard.
@gbb82 I hope that you are aware that poverty exists in America, and many people can't buy food or pay their rent and have to depend on the government for social assistance. The water in many states have contaminants, and there are bad roads too. You might not be aware of this, but the federal minimum wage in several states is $7.25 per hour. I see a lot of infrastructural development being done in Jamaica presently, young people and poor people are getting more loans from NHT to buy houses, places without running water for decades are now getting water, and young people can now get an associate degree for free. Electricity is an issue but Jamaica should be leaning towards solar. I believe within the next 10 years Jamaica will become a developed country.
@@mdl9096 Here we go again with the comparisons. Each time a long standing chronic issue in Jamaica is spoken about, the comparisons, deflections and denials come out of the woodwork. Communities without water for 6 months? Stop gripping is the response, there are poor people in America. Keep “hoping that I’m aware”.
@@mdl9096 Nice try. No where in my original post did I mention anything about America; you’re the one who came up a long list of issues in American society, as if Jamaicans who have to put up with bad roads, washed out bridges and no water cares one iota about what is happening in America, but that’s the response you want to throw in their faces.
Government when Jamaicans express their concerns - "Look it's a free country, so figure it out or if you don't like it here then there's the door. You are free to leave!!!" (Jamaicans migrating to live a better life) Same Government - "Why is this happening??"
I know plenty of Jamaicans that didn't make it in America. Got cought up in crime and eventually deported. Had a divorce before their status was secured, etc
I would’ve been set in Jamaica because of family resources but I wouldn’t have been where I’m at now in life if I didn’t move to America. My dad and family still lives in Jamaica because they are already set. Great video!
As a Jamaican living in America, I must say this is one of the most informative videos I’ve seen about Jamaica. I commend all the research and work you’ve put into this. It’s undeniable that Jamaica would not be the Jamaica it is today had it not been for the opportunities that Jamaicans have garnered overseas but highlighting the history and broader dynamics that have driven the relocation of Jamaicans is eye opening and helps to put the country in a better light. Hopefully your work can help lead to a brighter future for Jamaica and Jamaicans. Thanks!
Grateful for this video. I discovered the Irish connection on my own when I heard an Irish man on TV and thought he was an upper-class Jamaican. From then, I knew that our Jamaican accent is Irish. Never knew that it was the legislation of the big three countries that created the migration in the first place. Everything that you said in this video about pull factors can be verified from experience. All my sisters are in the USA. Indeed it is not hard to migrate with this and no language barrier. Can't wait to see your video on opportunities in Jamaica. I think you will be influential on the culture of migrating as time goes by, by putting a dent in the current mindset. I'm really thankful to you.
Most of who are leaving are poor people looking for opportunities and maybe if the basic necessities were available in Jamaica they would remain...we have little improvement in infrastructure since Independence including consistent problem with light water roads etc... successive governments have failed the people
Love you, Irene, and keep promoting Jamaica. We need to get the government from destroying the cockpit country. This will destroy the under ground water system. If you haven't done a tour please engage in such by starting from Duncan in Trelawny, then Clarks Town, Jackson Town, Alps, Ulster Spring, Albert Town, Stewart Town(where massive bauxite mining is being down), Troy.
Ofc Jamaica is to be blamed, I disagree here. How can you defend a nation that doesn't invest in its own people enough to keep them. Look at the recent events that took place with our teachers and civil servants. Alot of those individuals will leave for better opportunities elsewhere because they are not appreciated enough here. Our country doesn't try to start up new industries to keep talent and also stimulate Jamaicans to return. This is just the reality. We for the most part have bad governance
Yuh nuh normal Irene, another well-researched video. Most of my family is already living overseas, but I stayed and made a good life. The thing is opportunities that fit all criteria do not exist in abundance. What I mean by that is from the lower to upper class there is no balance of wealth that can be tapped into that is at each level of wealth. Imagine my surprise when I went to the US and saw a guy make 500US collecting bottles from the garbage to recycle. There is no focus on things people can do that do not need education, so every Jamaican that lacks education is at risk of being used, and abused by companies and gangs. For example, Jamaica does not invest in the IT sector which is one of the largest sectors internationally with the advent of AI, gaming, etc. We still heavily tax IT parts for import, and companies sell old parts because old parts have no tax. By design, we are crippled by our taxation and other lack of insight. So yes opportunities do exist in Jamaica, but mainly in the middle and upper class. When I say there is no focus I mean islandwide, for right now solar energy should have been a booming market to drive down prices. I digress.
All respect due coming from a Jamaican living in Jamaica…. Jamaica is a beauty place. Tons of opportunities in Jamaica no make money. However, the culture and mindset is what is tearing down the country. Not everything is the government’s fault. Some jamaicans literally leave because they want to be in a country where they feel like there is a structure and a system in place for everything.
She’s an asset but don’t give away the title of Jamaican so easily she’s a welcome guest. When blacks go to their countries we cannot be accepted as one of them so think about that . Calling them Jamaicans means you are giving your country to them. Aa has happened with Chinese there who are boldly telling descendants in the diaspora now that they are not Jamaicans. You are cooperating in being colonised gradually. Learn from history.
@@sashalawrence4786the original JAMAICAN people are the Taino and Arawaks. Have you not seen our national crest? Have you forgotten our national moto? They even named the Island - Xaymaca. Stop falsely claiming that Jamaicans are Black and that alone. There are descendants of slave owners, non slave owning whites, Chinese, Syrians and Indians (etc) still living in Jamaica much like the descendants of slaves dem. One is not more Jamaican than the other. One could perhaps argue that the former might have been here before the latter. Remember, Europeans landed in 1494 and the first slave ship didn't arrive till 1513. Then came the indentured Jews soon after, followed by Indians 1845 and 1854 Chinese - both migrating for economic reasons. In the early 20th century many middle eastern persons fleeing persecution settled in Jamaica. Jamaica is a melting pot of culture. There are Chinese and Indian families who have been here for nearby 200 years and Jews who have been here for around 500 years (almost as long as the first African slaves). Yet some Jamaicans refuse to accept them as Jamaican.
Totally agree. I'm from the UK my parents are from Jamaica. I would love to settle permanently there. Even my nephew came on holiday and stated he would live there and he has 3 businesses in the UK! Badmind and corruption is a cancer. Sort that out and you will be shocked how many would come over from the diaspora and pump their money into the economy.
@@audreywright7788 Jamaican people for some reason has a "crab in a barrel" mentality. Even in the big corporations (Politics as well) as soon as one rises the others want to see you fall.
@@audreywright7788 if you have such negative opinions of Jamaica and Jamaicans, why would you want to live there? You state that your parents are Jamaicans, then you paint all Jamaicans with a broad brush, saying we are all bad minded and corrupt, with this attitude, I don't think most Jamaicans would welcome you to live on the island, maybe the UK is where you belong.
People don't understand Diaspora. My wife is from TT and the concept of people having to leave to another country is not common. Having known relatives in almost every country is foreign. People will literally travel and have one soul in the US. As per me, I have a relative everywhere in the Americas. That is because our past relatives left for greater opportunities. As per TT, their economy is really good and people never had to leave.
You choose the best place to live i experience racist behaviors all the time on this side of the world down under lol i have so much to tell but waiting until i am back home i could write a book
I really appreciate the research and work you put into all these projects, I must say the documentary style work you do is really amazing. Keep up the good work 5⭐️
I left because as a child I didn't know the opportunities that were in Jamaica. My mom was poor because she missed alot of her years of education, due to sickness. She would have been unable to pay for a tertiary education for me, so i went to the uk, where at the time, it was free. I returned after that but realised my mom did not know the system in Jamaica to guide me as to how i could make something of myself there, so i went back to the uk, where i knew the system and how to get ahead. My heart has always been in Jamaica but i got married, had kids, so am caught up here, till retirement, then i will return to my beloved island. In contrast to my life. My cousin who stayed in Jamaica got a scholarship to go to a tertiary institution. She then got a job in her field, which sent her abroad to do her masters. Now she is a manager. She has her house, car and land, so she achieved living out there. My career was ruined by racism at work. I was blessed to have made the most of it before things got really bad. My point is that if you use the system in Jamaica, that is created to be used to navigate your way in life, which may i add is the same in the uk, you can make it in Jamaica. Jamaicans are blessed to have nht to help them have a house, over here we don't get that sort of help. Too often i hear songs and people cursing the system, calling it babylon. Maybe that's why they don't get ahead.
Do you know how much people pay into NHT and retire and still didn't get to own a home from NHT? You have to have certain amount of points to receive a house.
Thank you for winking patriotism to us. But for people in the comments passively objecting, understand that success should never be confused with joy and acceptance. America is very good at marketing themselves as one of the best countries in the world based on: riches, weapons to defend their country, abundance of food, and the American dream to be independent by owning a home. Non of those things represents success to a person with ambition greater then themselves or understand that a humble life with enough is enough. The cost of moving to these white countries as a black immigrant is far more expensive then many Jamaicans realise. I'm taking about xenophobia, racisism, classism, the struggle to find work if illegal in these countries, keeping a roof over your head if illigal in these countries. Finding out that the American dream for example was always meant for white Americans after being able to legally work. Legal or illigal you'll be view and treated most of time as second class, third, or fourth class, with discriminatory policies aim at making life difficult for you; if you're black in the countries she discussed. Joy and acceptance most blacks won't find in those countries. I agree with her; look for love in Jamaica and others will find it there as well 🇯🇲
I almost checked every box. I’m a Jamaican emigrant with an Irish last name and whose father previously worked in Cuba in the 60s and 70s and he eventually emigrated to US via a skilled labor petition. Now my brother emigrated from US to Hong Kong. Well done exposé. However, only limited professions can land into the field they were in solely based on speaking English. You still have to receive a certification, license, etc. for example physicians have to USMLE. This could mean repeating all the schooling you did, as if you were never educated or trained. The same reasons I had in mind for people emigrating are the ones you identified. One issue I have is Jamaica makes it virtually impossible for their emigrants to invest in the country beyond real estate and remittances. I can write a book on how the government has sabotaged an investment (medical) which they acknowledged is well needed for a certain parish. It reinforced that even with pull factors, the government is at the root of the push ones.
Thank you for sharing the info! Yes, you're right of course about needing a certification, license etc, but this is relevant to ALL migrants regardless of their language and again - it's easier to qualify and pass the exams for these certificates/licenses if you're a native English speaker than if you're not. As for the investments into Jamaica for Jamaican diaspora - very interesting point. Could you share more information on this? What do you mean by sabotaged investment and what else is known? If you can, please share via email: jamaicawithirie@gmail.com, I'd be very interested in investigating this.
Fairly good documentary but missing the most devastating and damaging reason for the brain drain which takes place from 1972 to present day. This is the cia and the American government under President Nixon who destabilize Jamaica - because of Michael Manley’s (the most progressive and intelligent Prime Minister Jamaica ever experienced) because of his friendship with Fidel Castro and Cuba by introducing guns into Jamaican politics, (which is destroying JA till this day) gun violence, food shortages, mis management, etc is JA greatest disaster. As a place to live, America has nothing, absolutely nothing on Jamaica. But a lot of us had to run from Paradise (to save the life we lived - as Bob Marley said) into the belly of the beast. Babylon. Second to slavery, that has been our worst nightmare in our beloved Jamaica. One love.
You answered your own question...u are a immigrant that came here with your money that is valued 50 times more than the jamaican dollar and started your own buisness that didnt have any redtape, an immigrant like you may have contributed to the reasons for jamaicans leaving. We may not be able to afford the lifestyles you enjoy now..thats not fair to jamaicans. The hurdles we would have to go through is enourmous!! For you the red carpet was laid out to welcome you and the mass of expacts living here...ofcourse there r opportunities in Jamaica but depending on who u are dont have access to these "opportunities". Even though jamaicans are highly educated.
😂😂 you really don't understand why Jamaicans are migrating. Jamaicans are migrating because only a minority amount of us can make life in Jamaica. Politicians set it only for themselves, their friends and their families. Majority of us are living from hand to mouth.
Awesome video as usual Irina!!! I've always thought there needs to be research done and content produced about this topic. You're results are spot ON!! I just love your love for Jamaica because it reflects my own love for ja!! Thank you thank you thank you for your work. I appreciate it so much keep it up
When I left Jamaica in 1991, it wasn’t because of crime and violence or because I was desperately poor, or even because I didn’t have a job with some benefits. Rather, I left because of greater opportunities here in the US.
I loved Jamaica too, stayed 3 months in Port Antonio. Was a great experience, I am a white english guy the jamaicans were very friendly and welcoming to me. But to each other they were was a lot arguing and fighting etc. I liked everything about JA, but the food shops [ takeaways] running out of everything by 9pm was mad. But there was always someone doing Jerk chicken, pon da road mun 😄
Excellent video, you made solid points, while i do agree that there are opportunists in Jamaica that needs to be highlighted more, the reality is the vast majority of "Good" ones are located in Kingston and not spread across the island. There is a running joke that if you want to cripple Jamaica, simply Bomb Kingston. As someone in the IT sector the vast majority of IT jobs are in Kingston. IMO Kingston and Portmore are overpopulated hence high traffic in those areas. There are many parishes with a lot of real estate primed for opportunities but no one wants to invest the infrastructure to facilitate new businesses. Montego bay IMO is poorly designed, "the same is true for many other parishes" as such there isn't much that can be done to grow the city, so it has been label as a tourist area while neglecting other areas.
As a Jamaican living in Jamaica, my quality of life is pretty great. A very good job with a very very good salary, savings and investments are on point. The only thing I would do, is maybe leave the coutry for a few months to speed track certain things id like to purchase, or I have a financial plan I would like to include my family in..
Excellent and informative and educational. Thanks for choosing Jamaica and thanks for your educated and balanced perspectives. I am curious if the migration statistics take into consideration illegal immigrants much like what we see at the US - Mexico border. Also when looking at percentages, which is generally better to understand impact, we still have to look at a Macro level and see that if 1% of a population that is 20x our size migrates vs 3% of ours the actual numbers would eclipse ours by several multiples. Just a quick example JA 3 mil population and if 3% migrate then thats 90k. Mexico 127mil population .25% (1/4 of a percent) migrate thats 317k.
As usual, you never fail to educate and enlighten. The truth is, we in the diaspora, are aware of the myriad opportunities present in our beautiful island, and would love, love to come back home. Not faulting you being on this gem only 9 years and growing, when we left….some 10, 20, 30, 40 years, ONE’S SAFETY, on coming home, was NEVER anticipated. Now it overrides or heads every decision. Remains eternally optimistic that conditions will improve.
You can't solve a problem by running away from it-the biggest problem is the mentality of the black people in JA-that's why the PNP & JLP has gotten 80 years to ruin the country.
I would love to return to Jamaica but the healthcare system sucks in Jamaica. So many experienced doctors and nurses I have come across here in Florida. So I asked my self what is left back home in terms of doctors and nurses? What level of experience do they have?
Good afternoon Ms. IRENE THERE'S NO BRAIN DRAIN IN JAMAICA... I AM A CERTIFIED AND EXPERIENCED CONSTUCTION PERSONNEL THAT CANNOT FIND A JOB WITH A REPUTABLE COMPANY...WHY??? SENDING OUT RESUMES DAILY OVER QUALIFIED...WHILE THE UNDER FRIENDS GET THESE POSITIONS...NOW I WILL HAVE START LOOKING ELSEWHERE RIGHT;;;
The BIGGEST problem in this country is the MENTALITY of the people, particularly the majority group regardless of their social status. They (black people) can't see that having the PNP & JLP governing the country only means more hardship so instead of addressing the GOVERNANCE problem in the country they choose emigration as an escape route. And years later after they leave & want to return home they are concern about their safety.
Wherever one goes there is a cost of living to pay, one might earn more overseas, but you have to pay the bills, I've been living in the UK for more than 3decades , my pay for this week is over $200,000.00ja. at current exchange 💱 rate.what job would i get in Jamaica that pays me this. My slightly younger brother is currently in Jamaica for a few days, he used to work at a hotel in Jamaica, they terminated his employment for no apparent reason in 2019, even as a supervisor working like a slave at the hotel,he wasn't even being paid $100us per week, after they terminated his slave employment, my other brother and i bought him a ticket to Canada, where the other brother is living, since the 1970s, our brother is a now Canadian resident and obtain residency for his son whom he's now taking to be schooled in Canada, AND, my brother is probably taking home more than $2000.00 Canadian per month, so the only brain that was being drained was my 🧠🧠🧠 brothers, working like a slave all night long for peanuts, so please tell me,why are we so patriotic about Jamaica?
This is excellent information. I would not guess that language would be such a huge factor. You asked who would see the opportunities first and try to take advantage of them, Jamaicans, the diaspora or foreigners. My money is on foreigners. It's really hard to get past some locals' worship of 'foreign'. Immigrants to Jamaica have less cultural baggage and are more clear eyed...they tend to see things for what they are, not what they have been brought up to believe. Don't get me started on the diaspora. Many are just not a good fit. They expect Jamaica to be a developed country with all the opportunities of a developing country, but most things should just come easy. SMH.
The diaspora sends in money and expects the leadership at any given time to make things easier for the folks left behind. Jamaica - population 2.8 million approx For the full year 2022, remittance inflows to Jamaica amounted to US$3.44 billion. The performance follows 2021, in which inflows were US$3.45 billion. Minister of Tourism, Jamaica: Jamaica welcomed approximately 3.3 million visitors in 2022 and registered a remarkable US$3.7 billion recovery of earnings compared to the pre-COVID earnings of 2019. Jamaica is also experiencing a rise in summer 2023 air travel bookings by 33% as compared to summer 2022 according to data provided by one of the world’s leading travel data analytics firms, ForwardKeys,” stated Minister Bartlett. “When we took office in 2016, Jamaica was retaining 30 cents of every dollar earned in the industry. We are now retaining 40.8 cents, a 36 per cent increase, which is among the highest in the region." Tourism makes up 6- 10%% of GDP on average using data from 2019 to 2022. Visitors mainly from the USA, Canada, UK. The diaspora thinks there is enough to go round for a population of 2.8 million, but corruption is an issue. e.g. the recent salary increases for politicians that they justified but other civil servants were left to hang dry. Just outside of Kingston you still have ghetto conditions that don't continue to make sense; the areas of housing could be improved. Heavily armed military presence is required to keep things cool in some hoods. Bob Marley sang of the conditions in the 70s and life is still bleak for a lot of folks in that environment. The Jamaican government has to continue to help the down-trodden to lift them up (the elite are living it up), invest in mental health, the police force will have to continue to use modern methods to handle crime, biometrics are going to be needed as time goes on, illegal guns coming in (not sure how that can be handled under the current conditions). You don't find the people of the Bahamas (pop est 407K ) migrating in large numbers. They must be doing something right.
@@ktech2762 The country is very grateful for the $1,500 USD worth of remittances per person per year from the diaspora and hope they continue to send assistance. The diaspora should understand that it takes a lot of money to run a country of Jamaica's size and to be able to adequately deal with the current problems much less act like a developed country. Trying to support a population of 407,000 people like in the Bahamas, is A LOT less expensive than trying to help 2,800,000 Jamaicans. It will take some time for Jamaica to grow out of it's current problems, but many of us are confident we can make it. What would be nice is if more retirees who return to Jamaica try to give back their time and experience to help the country grow rather than merely show off on locals, making people feel left behind. A little humility would go a far way also.
IRIE ,THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR RESEARCH , YOU DID NOT COME TO JAMAICA BY CHOICE ,YOU WERE ORDAINED BY THE HIGHER POWER TO BE THERE TO CARRY OUT THIS WORK , SO WELCOME & ENJOY YOUR LIFE JOURNEY IN PARADISE, 😊❤
Ktech & Feona...excellent points from you both. Fiona, your point about those retired and returning trying to do more to build up the country, is a great point. My sister, who "inadvertently retired" to Jamaica, is doing just that. But most, I think, just want to live without having to do anything; after all, isn't that the point of retirement.... As someone who moved to the States as a Teenager, and have lived here for over 40 Years, my goal is to move back to Jamaica after I retire. And yo be honest, Ibwas looking to just go back and continue to explore the Island, like I have been doing on my regular trips back. I honestly had not thought about doing anything that could help build the country. This video, and both your comments, are making me rethink that. Thank you all
Thank you for this video. Most persons who leave Jamaica dont want to leave, the pull factors in Jamaica are not easily accessible, the push factors supersede our pull based on perception which may not equal facts based on the numbers, however when the sensitization available locally speaks more about push factors, it affects perception
In all your explanation, yet you fail to explain the after-effect of colonialism on the economy of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean or how Caribbean government officials show more favoritism to foreigners and foreign labor over local citizens and businessmen. While a lot of what was mentioned in your video may be true, it's disingenuous for you to overlook the ugly past (hopefully not for fear of criticism) as it contributes to the struggles of Caribbean nationals and the motives of the gatekeepers to elevate the socioeconomic status of outsiders in the islands while overlooking its people.
Irina your documentaries/ presentations are golden! This was the most accurate and informative breakdown I've seen on this topic. I honestly hope your platform and your expertise as a journalist can be utilized by more jamaicans as they try to better understand the socio-economic state of our country. Thank you!! I need a part 2🤗
I’m struggling as a software engineer in Jamaica, for comparison my pay is less than a Walmart worker in Florida. I am moving to America to work for a better wage as my current salary can’t even get me loan for a car or house
The reduction of brain drain is because we are not as employable nor competitive as before. So why leave if you are not as valued. Better you stay..go figure!
Very good documentary. Excellent research. Let us not forget that sometimes the search for a so called good life comes with challenges such as illnesses and being overworked.
Very impressive video. My family is Jamaican, but I was born in the US and raised in NY. I learned all types of things in this video I did not know. Keep up the good work! And Slava Ukraine!
Greaf vlog as ever. The stats don't lie. We recently quit the UK and are now living a simple and enriching life in St Catherine. We carry out voluntary work and are now seeking to share our experiences with others wishing to visit this beautiful island. You are an Inspiration and I wish you and your family continued success and happiness x
I graduated from the University of Technology a couple years ago and haven’t used my certificate once. Inability to get a job while others, less qualified, can get the job because of “links”. Another reason for brain drain.
As always Irina, splendid video! Your journalism is always great to witness. It's commonly said that the thing weh a stop nuff a we, is opportunity. I concur with your conclusion on business being a great opportunity-but Irie, not with this government. You mention big demand, little supply...the average man cannot meet that with JA customs. 9 years ago before you came, our people began to discover online shopping bit by bit and never went back! Why? Because it was cheaper than buying anything local and to this day depending on the item, it still is like that. Only those with high influence as seen with the Chinese and Americans for e.g., are better able to take advantage of this business opportunity. It is *very* hard otherwise. See, Starbucks and Krispy Kreme come and sweep the rug from Café Blue and Prestige. GRANTED, these two brands weren't expanding and innovating, which is a problem our people have-but how can they really compete with the former brands with their influence and bagga money? It's hard. Not impossible, but this nuance needs to be understood for this discussion.
IRENE YOU ARE CREDIT TO Jamaica iam glad you are living there you are greatly love by all Jamaican in the Diaspora.may you and your Family continue the enjoy the best the country can offer.thanks for speaking up for Jamaica.❤❤
YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN!!.YOU ARTICULATE THE FACTS AS YOU SEE THEM ...I AM SURE YOU ARE OPENING THE EYES OF JAMAICANS AND THE GOVERNMENT IN JAMAICA 🇯🇲 TO OUR POTENTIALS..I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT WHEN YOU SPEAK OF JAMAICA YOU REFER TO US AS WE MEANING YOU ALSO INCLUDED.VERY POSITIVE INDEED. ❤
I'm not even jamaican and I watched this video to the end, Great video essay and I learnt quite a bit, there are many parallels with South Africa where i'm from. Thanks for sharing
Looking forward to the "Irish Connection" video. I am not surprised by the high percentage of Jamaicans with Irish connections; it runs in my Family. My Great Grandmother, on my mother's side, is 100% Irish...
Great presentation Irie. A part of the challenge is crime, unemployment and then we don't really know how good we have it here. Yes it might be better elsewhere for a number of reasons. However Jamaica is still one of the best places in the world, which is why alot of those who left visit, retire or support relatives or advertise the culture where they are and pass the identity onto their children and grandchildren. Best place to advertise however is heaven. Jesus is coming soon. God bless
The problem is and always has been THE GOVERNMENT! the island itself is beautiful...problem is the government....gun flooded into the country was caused by the government...both sides fighting for position. It will take too long to go on depth....another problem...the government selling out Jamaicas minerals with nothing in return to help the people. The country us backed solely on tourism...its a failing concept...government cause that too...they let foreigners come here with their money, build hotels that barely hire people in Jamaica...most of the profits of tourism goes to who owns it and the corrupt government while not trickling down to the people....IMF!! Who signed off on that? You guest it....the government....IMF does nothing for a country...its a debt they cannot pay back...don't believe me...go ask Greece. With all these things plus no jobs from those coming out of school...the service sector us heavily underpaid while these corrupt politicians line their pockets and give themselves 250% increase...instead of putting money fir better health care...better hospitals etc. I can go on....and if ur view point is one from upper society and not seeing it from the have not that's also a problem.
Your research is next level good, you hit the nail on the head, never really thought about it in that same way. I’m a Jamaican living in Canada and I really couldn’t imagine living somewhere that I would have to learn a new language. I almost guarantee that I couldn’t do it.
Love you, Irene, and keep promoting Jamaica. We need to get the government from destroying the cockpit country. This will destroy the under ground water system. If you haven't done a tour please engage in such by starting from Duncan in Trelawny, then Clarks Town, Jackson Town, Alps, Ulster Spring, Albert Town, Stewart Town(where massive bauxite mining is being down)AlbertlAlbert Albert ltto
Hi ms irie really enjoying your videos and your brilliance in research and determination of history of our beautiful island also more about the rest of the world in comparison .... awesome i been following you for about 3 years and so impressed at all your videos i am now living in the USA however i would love to meet you to have a sit down when i returns on visit... i would really like to help jamaicans to be great because we are the greatest..., but they don't know
Jamaicans speak with an Irish accent and we have an Irish sense of humor. We laugh at our selves just like the Irish. Its so funny to hear an Irish person and a Jamaican having a conversation.
The first time I found myself in an Irish enclave in NYC, I thought I was dreaming. Wow! That is when I realized how the Jamaican accent was so heavily influenced by the Irish.
@@grace-fc2kf I had an Irish mechanic in the 1980s who hired mainly Jamaican mechanics. He told me they understood him and he understood them. It makes his business runs smoothly. There was no miscommunication
One reality out of the recent COVID event is how valuable our English speaking carribean medical professionals (other areas as well) are to those other countries. So Jamaica, The Bahamas can identify with the pull factor especially from places like USA and UK. Great Docu Irena to a very enlightening theme.
El Salvador's brain drain is actually similar to the one of Jamaica with Jamaica ranked at 2nd globally and El Salvador close behind at 7th. One point that could be pointed out is also geography.
I did check of course. There are all sorts of links to Scotland and I will talk about them in a separate video. However, when it comes to DNA - there is more Irish than the Scottish. This has to do with many factors, I will mention them all in the documentary.
Very good content love your videos,on this topic I think FEAR is a big driver also believe it or not has a Ukrainian national you can go anywhere in Jamaica without issue i can't even visit where I was born in Kingston without a chaperone,its such a complex subject keep up the good works..
Thanks for doing this video. It will always be that way foreigners will always see what the natives do not see. When you have lived your life and are wiser you know what is most important in life. Most people who have savings and want to relax often seek out a tropical area where their money can stretch.
I would first like to say that i love the piece you just did. It was extremely informative. But i would also like to say that i have just returned to the island after 40yrs aboard. Since returning I now believe that Jamaica is one of the most corrupt countries in the western hemisphere. And because of that corruption it has me thinking of leaving the island for good.
🇮🇪 ☘THE IRISH DIASPORA in Jamaica? 🇯🇲
I'm looking for people from the Irish Diaspora in Jamaica, who can participate in my video about the link between Jamaica and Ireland!
Please contact me with the topic "Irish in Jamaica" here: jamaicawithirie@gmail.com
===
If Jamaica is so great, why are Jamaicans leaving? The so-called 🧠"BRAIN DRAIN" in Jamaica is one of the highest in the world, BUT guess what - the reasons for it are NOT what you think they are! The research I've done is bringing to life some factors that are hardly ever discussed in the media, so I hope you find this video interesting!
The term brain drain as it relates to Jamaica is misleading in that it gives the impression that the migrants are neurosurgeons , astrophysicists or computer scientist . The Jamaican diaspora for most purposes is a proletariat and it is loosely integrated into the host communities. There is a significant criminal stigma attached to this group as well . What is lost in the economic migration debate is the concept of purchasing power parity . A migrant from the Jamaican upper class is not going to be integrated into the upper classes in any of the host countries mentioned and for the most part exist in a strata below the lower middle classes are even part of the host country proletariat. The economic success are also not evident , how many multi millionaires are there in the diaspora mentioned ? How many companies are created and owned by the diaspora ? The diaspora is uniquely a working class heavily subsidised by welfare payments in their host countries . The economic benefits is limited to a second hand car , a mortgage and a credit card for those who are lucky all of which could have been attained with hard work and insight had they chose to be patriotic. The real pull factor of the emigration is low self esteem a lack of imagination and ideas and a continuation of participation in neo colonial reality . The merits of this emigration is going to be sorely tested in the new emerging reality of MAGA whether it’s Trump part 2 or Desantis The narrative of the migrants in Germany after the collapse of the Weimar Republic has not been heeded not that the migrants on the move nowadays would necessarily have the historical knowledge to benefit from this . In todays political environment the term migrant is a euphemism for a global nuisance, in the MAGA jargon they are rapist and criminals and the source of corruption of western civilisation just ask Tucker Carlson or Trump or MTG .
@@PL-ju2uj I see a racist bigot in this comment. Our doctors and nurses are worldwide, not to mention our engineers teachers. You my friend need to educate yourself and stop speaking from your arse.
@@PL-ju2uj hm, very interesting points in this comment and if you have some sources that you can share for this information about the Jamaican diaspora - I would really appreciate. So far, I was only able to find that 1/3 of all Jamaican emigrants have tertiary education, which means that are at least 33% of all people who migrate are not "low skilled" or "working class" people. My personal experience has also showed that a significant number of Jamaicans in the diaspora are VERY successful, whether we're talking about doing high level jobs or running their own business. A few of these Jamaicans are featured on my channel, for example check out the interview with Throp, whose Jamaican father built a large company in NYC or watch the interview with Mark Anthony Hill - a Jamaican artist who lives in the US.. I've also had the chance of meeting the subscribers of this channel who are the members of the Jamaican diaspora - highly successful and intelligent people, engineers, doctors, IT specialists, business owners etc. As for the argument of "not being able to get integrated into the upper classes".. well... the current vice president of the USA, Kamala Harris, is from the Jamaican Diaspora. How much "upper" can you go in the "upper class" than this?
However, I haven't actually done a deep research on this, so if you can share some sources to back up the information you've provided in the comment, I would definitely be interested to study them. Thank you!
@@PL-ju2uj LOL! Since when does brain drain refer to neuroscientists? There a few on the planet and because Jamaica doesn't produce any (that I am aware of) means that we're all proles. Many of us are VERY well educated, by international standards. This is exactly what I meant when I suggested that the diaspora tries to hold Jamaica to ridiculous standards. Anyway, the TRUE Jamaican upper class (not upper middle class that most people see) are rich by world standards. I personally know Jamaicans who are US millionaires. Micheal Lee Chin is a Canadian billionaire. I know it's hard for some members of the diaspora to accept that Jamaicans are doing well, maybe even better than those abroad, but, come on! It is a true reversal of fortunes, but it is what it is.
@@PL-ju2uj excuse me, but trump will never be president, Carlson is a has been, and Desatan will continue to ruin Florida only. Most Jamaicans in the US are NOT on welfare. At least not in Massachusetts or Florida for sure, and I know plenty in NY that aren't. While there are too many MAGA dummies in Florida, they'll never be enough nationwide. Never was and never will. I'm surprised you ventured out from the safe haven of Twitter and truth social or whatever that failing dump is called.
It took an imigrant to see the potentialities of our country. Thank you Irie for illuminating the consciousness of us Jamaicans home and abroad. You are a value added to Jamaica.
As a jamaican, living in Jamaica I've experienced many of my friends and family migrated. I've been always reluctant to leave, now I'm traveling and experiencing other countries firsthand, Ive decided Jamaica is my home. Thanks to you Irene, another reason to be proud
Thank you for this video. I've been telling Jamaicans that they don't need to leave. There is actually MORE opportunity in Jamaica to develop a business with less competition than the US. However, most Jamaicans are looking for a JOB. The jobs suck in Jamaica and if they were to change their mindset things would change. I was born in the US, but all of my aunts and uncles were born in Jamaica. Everyone who came to the US did less in their life than the ones who stayed behind and built businesses. All of them who stayed behind own their own homes, while almost all of my uncles and aunts in the US are still renting and waiting to rely on social security to retire. Now ready to retire, realizing they never amounted to anything in the US are now looking to go back to Jamaica and live there off their retirement money. I'm sure that my family's experience is not unique
Wow bredda so accurate foreign is a trap if you don't get a big opportunity in foreign it's hard to make something of yourself especially the last 15yrs
Nailed it David. So true, generally speaking
It’s not a one brush paint all. Jamaica might be better for some while the US might be better for others. I am now living in the US, not because it’s what I desired to do but because life in Jamaica got to the point where you have to know the right people, ignore the corruption, hope and pray you leave home and reach back safe, endure and accept extortion as a way of life if you decide to run any business (from selling sweets to running a big corporation) and I could go on and on. Sure it’s less freedom in the US and you have to work much harder but it’s far easier to navigate your way if you decide to retire in Jamaica. Jamaica is beautiful but we must admit the opportunities are getting less and less to the point where not even a masters degree guarantees you a good paying job to help you get a good foundation to start a business. I love my country to my heart but I am better able to provide for my family living and working here in the US.
@@AniphFrazerYou have said exactly what I intended to. I would also like to add that Jamaica is just the way the powers that be want it. Now, there is talk about focusing on STEM, yet mostly call centres are being built as places of employment. Already, uni graduates have to be working in these places that pay so badly. I would wish that everyone could be a business owner because work/a job is simply a form of exploitation, and it's also just not going to happen. Jamaica is great as a tourist destination, so those who can will just have to go abroad and use the money earned there to enjoy life here.
@@prm2335Yep, and add to that, I family members who live in the states and they are much better off than they were while in Jamaica. Including my own parents. So rightly said, it's not always one size fits all
Yes! It’s a cultural thing! “Betta u guh a farrin”😂😂😂😂
Love your channel Irie, you’ve helped me with so much I never knew living in JA all my life
Thanks for always exposing Jamaica in a positive way because we’ve been misguided to believe too many negatives about ourselves for over fifty years now. I welcome you as a new Jamaican to the nation of improvisers, brilliant and hard working people. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲.
An excellent, excellent video Irene, as usual. Your research is always thorough and your presentation is always objective NOT subjective meanwhile supporting and trying to build Jamaica, the country.
As a Jamaican living abroad, I have learned something new today about my country. Thank you 🙏🏾
I'm a Jamaican living abroad as well, and like most Jamaicans living abroad I am ferociously proud to be a Jamaican and love my country. I may not like the things that the government is doing and all the opportunities it let's slip away from them to cultivate and build Jamaica as a country but I still love my country. And like many other Jamaicans abroad I would like to return to Jamaica someday but am weary. There is a tremendous opportunity in Jamaica to build it into the most prosperous Caribbean country in the West Indies as this commentator also realizes it has. The Jamaican government believes it has to rely on and compete with these oversees governments for prosperity. Which could not be further from the truth. If it builds on the natural and inherit aspects of the country the shortage of jobs for its inhabitants would significantly decrease, the crime rate would decrease (because a great deal of the criminality that goes on in the country is due to need, a hungry man is a angry man as the saying goes) the need for encouraging and implementing higher education especially in impoverished neighborhoods would skyrocket the growth and stability of the country, make these schools free or very low cost to attend so the students have the ability to learn. Stop believing in and buying into foreign produce, wear, and mentality, fortify the Jamaican, real Jamaican fortitude and culture. There is a reason people from all walks of life come there for our foods, clothes and culture. Build Jamaica by Jamaicans, invest in Jamaicans for Jamaica 🇯🇲 we will not be a world power, our country is only the size of Manhattan in NY but if we build or country up we'll be the shinning star of the Caribbean and West Indies. Skilled Jamaicans abroad want to come home, they want to establish businesses and help build. They need to see more care turned inward to the country and its people so they can help you build it to where its supposed to be. I only speak for myself and a multitude of others I know oversees that share this opinion. It's time for the government to stop focusing on whichever party it is and focus on the people of the country and the country itself and the brain drain will resolve dramatically and Jamaican prosperity and its people local and returnees will flourish.
@@angelafrancis6183the Jamaican... Government is lining their pockets with the money they should be using to build up Jamaica......we have greedy leaders that's Jamaica's problem!!!
My aunt was working in Jamaica for 30 years of her life and never had anything to her name. She went to the US and in 10 years, she's now retiring with a house in the suburbs in the US, a 7 bedroom mansion in Jamaica, 3 cars and one of her sons now has masters degree, the other is the CEO of a company. That's a success story of just one of my family members. I've seen first hand the countless amount of people in family and friend group who weren't able to achieve anything in Jamaica and went overseas and became successful. I'd love to stay here, but my ambition won't allow it.
@letsgrowandprosper6562 a mortgage only lasts 30 years if you pay the 30 year premium. If you increase your monthly payment, you can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your payment. I am well educated in economics. Don't do that.
@@uchoobe1876not only that but you can purchase a house outright without any mortgage at all.
@letsgrowandprosper6562bro you’re so dumb it’s hilarious. You know a mortgage can be way shorter than 30, 15 or ten years? Educate yourself and stop acting foolish
@@uchoobe1876 Facts, everyone thinks that you have to take mortgage, I know others who worked and bought their houses cash... Everyone does it different.
As a brit, I'm sorting out a Caribbean passport. There are many opportunities as its "being a big fish in a smaller pond" it's harder to make it in bigger countries
Many Jamaicans are SUFFERING abroad! Being broke and pride prevents them from coming back.
Exactly!!!!!
This is so tru
Those are the illegals.
EXACTLY, foreign life isn’t EASYYYYYY, and only a few actually build up this big life, and most of them that’s having a big life, are working all day everyday and cannot even enjoy the dream life they worked so hard for
Sipping that haterade.
Thank you Irena for being a true Jamaican at heart. You are very analytic and balanced especially when it comes to the affairs of Jamaica.
It takes someone like you, who is not a Jamaican by birth but by adoption to see the good in Jamaica. So many Jamaicans by birth cannot or perhaps refuse to see the positives that the country has to offer. We prefer to run away to other people' s country and help them build theirs instead of staying here and help our country with such great prospect, to become the place where families would want to live, work and do business.
That happens in many countries. Even in the US, people dream of a better quality of life elsewhere. I guess it's human nature to want to improve.
A lot of time people have good jobs, leave Jamaica, don’t have a good standard of life oversea , too embarrass to return to Jamaica.
Love your videos. As a nurse, I would make poverty wages in Jamaica relative to what I make, and can potentially make, in the US. So sometimes it's impractical to move back, even if you would like to, without changing professions. Add to these the complication and expense of acquiring property, a vehicle, unlearning certain behaviors, and offloading debt, and it isn't always an easy, linear transition. Yes, this isn't everyone's story and some people can easily make the transition back home, but there's a story to be told for the many that couldn't even if they wanted.
Irie you hit the nail right on its head! The country's brain drain is caused by so many factors and
your analysis is right on.
You can tell Irene LOVES Jamaica and wants the BEST for the country, one love ❤🇯🇲
I nuh trust har a bumbaclaat. She the face of Jamaica? Her and the one Chinese lady? Gtfoh
Love wish jamaica ? Mother fucker run away from Ukraine she a Ukrainian how all of a sudden them want live amongst people of color when them would not travel in the same train car that color people ride in ?
Look at her very deeply look good
Jamaican we love hugging strangers too quickly
@@netteleecooper3265
What is she doing that is so bad?
This is one of the most educational channels on Jamaica
I’m part of the diaspora. Born in the U.S. to JA parents. Now retired and planning to return to JA in December 2024.
Me too
Me three!!
Me wanna be four!
Same
Me wanna be five and I just come to the us I can't work so hard to pay bills all my money go in bills
Irene I believe the trend of moving abroad will gradually slow down for a number of reasons including the economies of the big 3 not being as good as they used to be and also Jamaicans getting involved in the digital economy and content creation, farming etc.
yes, the trend is already slowing down, significantly. In fact, I hope we live to see a reverse trend for Jamaica - when more people coming to live in Jamaica than there are leaving.
You're so right. And I believe because so many Jamaicans now get visas with less stress than in the past, more people are seeing that the 'big 3' is really not what they thought. A lot more people are packing their bags and coming home to set up shop.
You are correct. In this so-called 'developed' country, we can hardly afford the unnatural and GMO groceries. Come here for what???
Thanks for this. Just by improving the infrastructure across the island-Road, water and electricity would go a long way in improving people’s quality of life here. Not everyone migrates for more money. Daily life in some areas of the island is really hard.
@gbb82 I hope that you are aware that poverty exists in America, and many people can't buy food or pay their rent and have to depend on the government for social assistance. The water in many states have contaminants, and there are bad roads too. You might not be aware of this, but the federal minimum wage in several states is $7.25 per hour. I see a lot of infrastructural development being done in Jamaica presently, young people and poor people are getting more loans from NHT to buy houses, places without running water for decades are now getting water, and young people can now get an associate degree for free. Electricity is an issue but Jamaica should be leaning towards solar. I believe within the next 10 years Jamaica will become a developed country.
@@mdl9096 Here we go again with the comparisons. Each time a long standing chronic issue in Jamaica is spoken about, the comparisons, deflections and denials come out of the woodwork. Communities without water for 6 months? Stop gripping is the response, there are poor people in America. Keep “hoping that I’m aware”.
@@gbb82 That's exactly what you were doing.
@@mdl9096 Nice try. No where in my original post did I mention anything about America; you’re the one who came up a long list of issues in American society, as if Jamaicans who have to put up with bad roads, washed out bridges and no water cares one iota about what is happening in America, but that’s the response you want to throw in their faces.
@@gbb82 The dialogue was about Jamaicans leaving for foreign countries, especially America. I live in America so I am talking about what I know.
Government when Jamaicans express their concerns - "Look it's a free country, so figure it out or if you don't like it here then there's the door. You are free to leave!!!"
(Jamaicans migrating to live a better life)
Same Government - "Why is this happening??"
The grass is not always greener abroad, it’s greener where you water it
Well said
Excellent statement
I know plenty of Jamaicans that didn't make it in America. Got cought up in crime and eventually deported. Had a divorce before their status was secured, etc
Irene,you're the real deal. Unbiased,investigative reporting .
I'm pulsing to work with you.
You're work is appreciated
I would’ve been set in Jamaica because of family resources but I wouldn’t have been where I’m at now in life if I didn’t move to America. My dad and family still lives in Jamaica because they are already set. Great video!
As a Jamaican living in America, I must say this is one of the most informative videos I’ve seen about Jamaica. I commend all the research and work you’ve put into this. It’s undeniable that Jamaica would not be the Jamaica it is today had it not been for the opportunities that Jamaicans have garnered overseas but highlighting the history and broader dynamics that have driven the relocation of Jamaicans is eye opening and helps to put the country in a better light. Hopefully your work can help lead to a brighter future for Jamaica and Jamaicans. Thanks!
Grateful for this video. I discovered the Irish connection on my own when I heard an Irish man on TV and thought he was an upper-class Jamaican. From then, I knew that our Jamaican accent is Irish. Never knew that it was the legislation of the big three countries that created the migration in the first place. Everything that you said in this video about pull factors can be verified from experience. All my sisters are in the USA. Indeed it is not hard to migrate with this and no language barrier. Can't wait to see your video on opportunities in Jamaica. I think you will be influential on the culture of migrating as time goes by, by putting a dent in the current mindset. I'm really thankful to you.
Most of who are leaving are poor people looking for opportunities and maybe if the basic necessities were available in Jamaica they would remain...we have little improvement in infrastructure since Independence including consistent problem with light water roads etc... successive governments have failed the people
Love you, Irene, and keep promoting Jamaica. We need to get the government from destroying the cockpit country. This will destroy the under ground water system. If you haven't done a tour please engage in such by starting from Duncan in Trelawny, then Clarks Town, Jackson Town, Alps, Ulster Spring, Albert Town, Stewart Town(where massive bauxite mining is being down), Troy.
Ofc Jamaica is to be blamed, I disagree here. How can you defend a nation that doesn't invest in its own people enough to keep them. Look at the recent events that took place with our teachers and civil servants. Alot of those individuals will leave for better opportunities elsewhere because they are not appreciated enough here. Our country doesn't try to start up new industries to keep talent and also stimulate Jamaicans to return. This is just the reality. We for the most part have bad governance
This:- house, car ,land and family we just want a good life
Yuh nuh normal Irene, another well-researched video. Most of my family is already living overseas, but I stayed and made a good life. The thing is opportunities that fit all criteria do not exist in abundance. What I mean by that is from the lower to upper class there is no balance of wealth that can be tapped into that is at each level of wealth. Imagine my surprise when I went to the US and saw a guy make 500US collecting bottles from the garbage to recycle. There is no focus on things people can do that do not need education, so every Jamaican that lacks education is at risk of being used, and abused by companies and gangs. For example, Jamaica does not invest in the IT sector which is one of the largest sectors internationally with the advent of AI, gaming, etc. We still heavily tax IT parts for import, and companies sell old parts because old parts have no tax. By design, we are crippled by our taxation and other lack of insight. So yes opportunities do exist in Jamaica, but mainly in the middle and upper class. When I say there is no focus I mean islandwide, for right now solar energy should have been a booming market to drive down prices. I digress.
All respect due coming from a Jamaican living in Jamaica…. Jamaica is a beauty place. Tons of opportunities in Jamaica no make money. However, the culture and mindset is what is tearing down the country. Not everything is the government’s fault. Some jamaicans literally leave because they want to be in a country where they feel like there is a structure and a system in place for everything.
She’s an asset but don’t give away the title of Jamaican so easily she’s a welcome guest. When blacks go to their countries we cannot be accepted as one of them so think about that . Calling them Jamaicans means you are giving your country to them. Aa has happened with Chinese there who are boldly telling descendants in the diaspora now that they are not Jamaicans. You are cooperating in being colonised gradually. Learn from history.
@@sashalawrence4786I am an African lady and I agree 100% with all you have written.
@@sashalawrence4786 I agree and understand what you’re trying to say.
@@sashalawrence4786the original JAMAICAN people are the Taino and Arawaks. Have you not seen our national crest? Have you forgotten our national moto? They even named the Island - Xaymaca.
Stop falsely claiming that Jamaicans are Black and that alone. There are descendants of slave owners, non slave owning whites, Chinese, Syrians and Indians (etc) still living in Jamaica much like the descendants of slaves dem. One is not more Jamaican than the other.
One could perhaps argue that the former might have been here before the latter. Remember, Europeans landed in 1494 and the first slave ship didn't arrive till 1513. Then came the indentured Jews soon after, followed by Indians 1845 and 1854 Chinese - both migrating for economic reasons. In the early 20th century many middle eastern persons fleeing persecution settled in Jamaica. Jamaica is a melting pot of culture.
There are Chinese and Indian families who have been here for nearby 200 years and Jews who have been here for around 500 years (almost as long as the first African slaves). Yet some Jamaicans refuse to accept them as Jamaican.
Corruption is another problem, opportunities do exist in this great country but corruption and badmind keeps getting in the way.
Totally agree. I'm from the UK my parents are from Jamaica. I would love to settle permanently there. Even my nephew came on holiday and stated he would live there and he has 3 businesses in the UK! Badmind and corruption is a cancer. Sort that out and you will be shocked how many would come over from the diaspora and pump their money into the economy.
@@audreywright7788 Jamaican people for some reason has a "crab in a barrel" mentality. Even in the big corporations (Politics as well) as soon as one rises the others want to see you fall.
@@audreywright7788 if you have such negative opinions of Jamaica and Jamaicans, why would you want to live there? You state that your parents are Jamaicans, then you paint all Jamaicans with a broad brush, saying we are all bad minded and corrupt, with this attitude, I don't think most Jamaicans would welcome you to live on the island, maybe the UK is where you belong.
@@kidzeus2433 such negative attitude towards Jamaica and Jamaicans, why is that, are you a Jamaican?
@@zuzu-oi5ki Yes, speaking from one's perspective and experience
People don't understand Diaspora. My wife is from TT and the concept of people having to leave to another country is not common. Having known relatives in almost every country is foreign. People will literally travel and have one soul in the US. As per me, I have a relative everywhere in the Americas.
That is because our past relatives left for greater opportunities. As per TT, their economy is really good and people never had to leave.
You choose the best place to live i experience racist behaviors all the time on this side of the world down under lol i have so much to tell but waiting until i am back home i could write a book
I really appreciate the research and work you put into all these projects, I must say the documentary style work you do is really amazing. Keep up the good work 5⭐️
I left because as a child I didn't know the opportunities that were in Jamaica. My mom was poor because she missed alot of her years of education, due to sickness. She would have been unable to pay for a tertiary education for me, so i went to the uk, where at the time, it was free. I returned after that but realised my mom did not know the system in Jamaica to guide me as to how i could make something of myself there, so i went back to the uk, where i knew the system and how to get ahead. My heart has always been in Jamaica but i got married, had kids, so am caught up here, till retirement, then i will return to my beloved island.
In contrast to my life. My cousin who stayed in Jamaica got a scholarship to go to a tertiary institution. She then got a job in her field, which sent her abroad to do her masters. Now she is a manager. She has her house, car and land, so she achieved living out there.
My career was ruined by racism at work. I was blessed to have made the most of it before things got really bad.
My point is that if you use the system in Jamaica, that is created to be used to navigate your way in life, which may i add is the same in the uk, you can make it in Jamaica. Jamaicans are blessed to have nht to help them have a house, over here we don't get that sort of help.
Too often i hear songs and people cursing the system, calling it babylon. Maybe that's why they don't get ahead.
Do you know how much people pay into NHT and retire and still didn't get to own a home from NHT? You have to have certain amount of points to receive a house.
Whether you like it or not the system is Babylon even where your u are .
Who runs the system man like you are God..then it is Babylon
Garbage a d personal baggage...nothing to see here
Thank you for winking patriotism to us. But for people in the comments passively objecting, understand that success should never be confused with joy and acceptance. America is very good at marketing themselves as one of the best countries in the world based on: riches, weapons to defend their country, abundance of food, and the American dream to be independent by owning a home. Non of those things represents success to a person with ambition greater then themselves or understand that a humble life with enough is enough. The cost of moving to these white countries as a black immigrant is far more expensive then many Jamaicans realise. I'm taking about xenophobia, racisism, classism, the struggle to find work if illegal in these countries, keeping a roof over your head if illigal in these countries. Finding out that the American dream for example was always meant for white Americans after being able to legally work. Legal or illigal you'll be view and treated most of time as second class, third, or fourth class, with discriminatory policies aim at making life difficult for you; if you're black in the countries she discussed. Joy and acceptance most blacks won't find in those countries. I agree with her; look for love in Jamaica and others will find it there as well 🇯🇲
I almost checked every box. I’m a Jamaican emigrant with an Irish last name and whose father previously worked in Cuba in the 60s and 70s and he eventually emigrated to US via a skilled labor petition. Now my brother emigrated from US to Hong Kong.
Well done exposé. However, only limited professions can land into the field they were in solely based on speaking English. You still have to receive a certification, license, etc. for example physicians have to USMLE. This could mean repeating all the schooling you did, as if you were never educated or trained.
The same reasons I had in mind for people emigrating are the ones you identified.
One issue I have is Jamaica makes it virtually impossible for their emigrants to invest in the country beyond real estate and remittances. I can write a book on how the government has sabotaged an investment (medical) which they acknowledged is well needed for a certain parish. It reinforced that even with pull factors, the government is at the root of the push ones.
Thank you for sharing the info! Yes, you're right of course about needing a certification, license etc, but this is relevant to ALL migrants regardless of their language and again - it's easier to qualify and pass the exams for these certificates/licenses if you're a native English speaker than if you're not.
As for the investments into Jamaica for Jamaican diaspora - very interesting point. Could you share more information on this? What do you mean by sabotaged investment and what else is known? If you can, please share via email: jamaicawithirie@gmail.com, I'd be very interested in investigating this.
Did you leave Ukraine to my country I would ask you di same tin 2 Ukraine need you more than ho Jamaica need we
Fairly good documentary but missing the most devastating and damaging reason for the brain drain which takes place from 1972 to present day. This is the cia and the American government under President Nixon who destabilize Jamaica - because of Michael Manley’s (the most progressive and intelligent Prime Minister Jamaica ever experienced) because of his friendship with Fidel Castro and Cuba by introducing guns into Jamaican politics, (which is destroying JA till this day) gun violence, food shortages, mis management, etc is JA greatest disaster. As a place to live, America has nothing, absolutely nothing on Jamaica. But a lot of us had to run from Paradise (to save the life we lived - as Bob Marley said) into the belly of the beast. Babylon. Second to slavery, that has been our worst nightmare in our beloved Jamaica. One love.
You answered your own question...u are a immigrant that came here with your money that is valued 50 times more than the jamaican dollar and started your own buisness that didnt have any redtape, an immigrant like you may have contributed to the reasons for jamaicans leaving. We may not be able to afford the lifestyles you enjoy now..thats not fair to jamaicans. The hurdles we would have to go through is enourmous!! For you the red carpet was laid out to welcome you and the mass of expacts living here...ofcourse there r opportunities in Jamaica but depending on who u are dont have access to these "opportunities". Even though jamaicans are highly educated.
You’re wrong about El Salvador Irie , I love you but check El Salvador again you’ll be shock o promise you .
😂😂 you really don't understand why Jamaicans are migrating. Jamaicans are migrating because only a minority amount of us can make life in Jamaica. Politicians set it only for themselves, their friends and their families. Majority of us are living from hand to mouth.
Your channel always teaches things us Jamaicans don't even aware of. Thanks again
Awesome video as usual Irina!!! I've always thought there needs to be research done and content produced about this topic. You're results are spot ON!! I just love your love for Jamaica because it reflects my own love for ja!! Thank you thank you thank you for your work. I appreciate it so much keep it up
Jamaican has opportunities.
The Diaspora is unaware of how to establish businesses.
No, it is called yt people hoarding the resources and Jamaicans not getting on code to drive out the racist yt ppl.
When I left Jamaica in 1991, it wasn’t because of crime and violence or because I was desperately poor, or even because I didn’t have a job with some benefits. Rather, I left because of greater opportunities here in the US.
What is your quality of life in the USA compare to when you lived in Jamaica?
John, yku are a great example of the "PULL Factor" that she mentioned that many overlook, relative to the "PUSH" Factors
16:15 Jamaica can do more. Someone told me that Education Ministry held up teachers' pay recently. For what, I don't know.
I loved Jamaica too, stayed 3 months in Port Antonio. Was a great experience, I am a white english guy the jamaicans were very friendly and welcoming to me. But to each other they were was a lot arguing and fighting etc. I liked everything about JA, but the food shops [ takeaways] running out of everything by 9pm was mad. But there was always someone doing Jerk chicken, pon da road mun 😄
Excellent reporting ,
I love my Jamaica i dont care what people say about Jamaica, crime is everywhere,
Easier to run.......than to build.
Excellent video, you made solid points, while i do agree that there are opportunists in Jamaica that needs to be highlighted more, the reality is the vast majority of "Good" ones are located in Kingston and not spread across the island. There is a running joke that if you want to cripple Jamaica, simply Bomb Kingston. As someone in the IT sector the vast majority of IT jobs are in Kingston. IMO Kingston and Portmore are overpopulated hence high traffic in those areas. There are many parishes with a lot of real estate primed for opportunities but no one wants to invest the infrastructure to facilitate new businesses. Montego bay IMO is poorly designed, "the same is true for many other parishes" as such there isn't much that can be done to grow the city, so it has been label as a tourist area while neglecting other areas.
New subscription.thank you I was born in Jamaica but Live in Toronto and still visit my native land each year
Your husband better not cheat cuz I'm sure u'll find out before he even does it😅. Ur investigation skills are second to none🙏🏾🏆🙏🏾
As a Jamaican living in Jamaica, my quality of life is pretty great. A very good job with a very very good salary, savings and investments are on point. The only thing I would do, is maybe leave the coutry for a few months to speed track certain things id like to purchase, or I have a financial plan I would like to include my family in..
Always solid content from this channel....an interesting perspective...solidifying real pride in Jamaica 🇯🇲 and what she offers!! Thank you!
Excellent and informative and educational. Thanks for choosing Jamaica and thanks for your educated and balanced perspectives. I am curious if the migration statistics take into consideration illegal immigrants much like what we see at the US - Mexico border. Also when looking at percentages, which is generally better to understand impact, we still have to look at a Macro level and see that if 1% of a population that is 20x our size migrates vs 3% of ours the actual numbers would eclipse ours by several multiples. Just a quick example JA 3 mil population and if 3% migrate then thats 90k. Mexico 127mil population .25% (1/4 of a percent) migrate thats 317k.
As usual, you never fail to educate and enlighten. The truth is, we in the diaspora, are aware of the myriad opportunities present in our beautiful island, and would love, love to come back home. Not faulting you being on this gem only 9 years and growing, when we left….some 10, 20, 30, 40 years, ONE’S SAFETY, on coming home, was NEVER anticipated. Now it overrides or heads every decision. Remains eternally optimistic that conditions will improve.
You can't solve a problem by running away from it-the biggest problem is the mentality of the black people in JA-that's why the PNP & JLP has gotten 80 years to ruin the country.
I would love to return to Jamaica but the healthcare system sucks in Jamaica. So many experienced doctors and nurses I have come across here in Florida. So I asked my self what is left back home in terms of doctors and nurses? What level of experience do they have?
Hello Irina. Hope you are doing well. Back here in Negril for the 3rd time in 3 years and I don't blame you one bit for relocating here in Jamaica.
Good afternoon Ms. IRENE THERE'S NO BRAIN DRAIN IN JAMAICA... I AM A CERTIFIED AND EXPERIENCED CONSTUCTION PERSONNEL THAT CANNOT FIND A JOB WITH A REPUTABLE COMPANY...WHY??? SENDING OUT RESUMES DAILY OVER QUALIFIED...WHILE THE UNDER FRIENDS GET THESE POSITIONS...NOW I WILL HAVE START LOOKING ELSEWHERE RIGHT;;;
The BIGGEST problem in this country is the MENTALITY of the people, particularly the majority group regardless of their social status. They (black people) can't see that having the PNP & JLP governing the country only means more hardship so instead of addressing the GOVERNANCE problem in the country they choose emigration as an escape route. And years later after they leave & want to return home they are concern about their safety.
Wherever one goes there is a cost of living to pay, one might earn more overseas, but you have to pay the bills, I've been living in the UK for more than 3decades ,
my pay for this week is over $200,000.00ja. at current exchange 💱 rate.what job would i get in Jamaica that pays me this.
My slightly younger brother is currently in Jamaica for a few days, he used to work at a hotel in Jamaica, they terminated his employment for no apparent reason in 2019, even as a supervisor working like a slave at the hotel,he wasn't even being paid $100us per week, after they terminated his slave employment, my other brother and i bought him a ticket to Canada, where the other brother is living, since the 1970s, our brother is a now Canadian resident and obtain residency for his son whom he's now taking to be schooled in Canada, AND, my brother is probably taking home more than $2000.00 Canadian per month, so the only brain that was being drained was my 🧠🧠🧠 brothers, working like a slave all night long for peanuts, so please tell me,why are we so patriotic about Jamaica?
This is excellent information. I would not guess that language would be such a huge factor. You asked who would see the opportunities first and try to take advantage of them, Jamaicans, the diaspora or foreigners. My money is on foreigners. It's really hard to get past some locals' worship of 'foreign'. Immigrants to Jamaica have less cultural baggage and are more clear eyed...they tend to see things for what they are, not what they have been brought up to believe. Don't get me started on the diaspora. Many are just not a good fit. They expect Jamaica to be a developed country with all the opportunities of a developing country, but most things should just come easy. SMH.
The diaspora sends in money and expects the leadership at any given time to make things easier for the folks left behind.
Jamaica - population 2.8 million approx
For the full year 2022, remittance inflows to Jamaica amounted to US$3.44 billion.
The performance follows 2021, in which inflows were US$3.45 billion.
Minister of Tourism, Jamaica: Jamaica welcomed approximately 3.3 million visitors in 2022 and registered a remarkable US$3.7 billion recovery of earnings compared to the pre-COVID earnings of 2019. Jamaica is also experiencing a rise in summer 2023 air travel bookings by 33% as compared to summer 2022 according to data provided by one of the world’s leading travel data analytics firms, ForwardKeys,” stated Minister Bartlett.
“When we took office in 2016, Jamaica was retaining 30 cents of every dollar earned in the industry. We are now retaining 40.8 cents, a 36 per cent increase, which is among the highest in the region."
Tourism makes up 6- 10%% of GDP on average using data from 2019 to 2022. Visitors mainly from the USA, Canada, UK.
The diaspora thinks there is enough to go round for a population of 2.8 million, but corruption is an issue. e.g. the recent salary increases for politicians that they justified but other civil servants were left to hang dry.
Just outside of Kingston you still have ghetto conditions that don't continue to make sense; the areas of housing could be improved.
Heavily armed military presence is required to keep things cool in some hoods. Bob Marley sang of the conditions in the 70s and life is still bleak for a lot of folks in that environment.
The Jamaican government has to continue to help the down-trodden to lift them up (the elite are living it up), invest in mental health, the police force will have to continue to use modern methods to handle crime, biometrics are going to be needed as time goes on, illegal guns coming in (not sure how that can be handled under the current conditions).
You don't find the people of the Bahamas (pop est 407K ) migrating in large numbers. They must be doing something right.
@@ktech2762 The country is very grateful for the $1,500 USD worth of remittances per person per year from the diaspora and hope they continue to send assistance. The diaspora should understand that it takes a lot of money to run a country of Jamaica's size and to be able to adequately deal with the current problems much less act like a developed country. Trying to support a population of 407,000 people like in the Bahamas, is A LOT less expensive than trying to help 2,800,000 Jamaicans. It will take some time for Jamaica to grow out of it's current problems, but many of us are confident we can make it. What would be nice is if more retirees who return to Jamaica try to give back their time and experience to help the country grow rather than merely show off on locals, making people feel left behind. A little humility would go a far way also.
IRIE ,THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR RESEARCH , YOU DID NOT COME TO JAMAICA BY CHOICE ,YOU WERE ORDAINED BY THE HIGHER POWER TO BE THERE TO CARRY OUT THIS WORK , SO WELCOME & ENJOY YOUR LIFE JOURNEY IN PARADISE, 😊❤
Ktech & Feona...excellent points from you both. Fiona, your point about those retired and returning trying to do more to build up the country, is a great point. My sister, who "inadvertently retired" to Jamaica, is doing just that. But most, I think, just want to live without having to do anything; after all, isn't that the point of retirement....
As someone who moved to the States as a Teenager, and have lived here for over 40 Years, my goal is to move back to Jamaica after I retire. And yo be honest, Ibwas looking to just go back and continue to explore the Island, like I have been doing on my regular trips back. I honestly had not thought about doing anything that could help build the country. This video, and both your comments, are making me rethink that.
Thank you all
@@trevorsteer7331 Fantastic!!!
I missed why you chose jamaica,but it's not the only English speaking Caribbean country,soo did you pick the name from a bucket?
Shhh....you making too much secret public....mi nuh reach yet fibtske up the opportunities
Thank you for this video. Most persons who leave Jamaica dont want to leave, the pull factors in Jamaica are not easily accessible, the push factors supersede our pull based on perception which may not equal facts based on the numbers, however when the sensitization available locally speaks more about push factors, it affects perception
In all your explanation, yet you fail to explain the after-effect of colonialism on the economy of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean or how Caribbean government officials show more favoritism to foreigners and foreign labor over local citizens and businessmen. While a lot of what was mentioned in your video may be true, it's disingenuous for you to overlook the ugly past (hopefully not for fear of criticism) as it contributes to the struggles of Caribbean nationals and the motives of the gatekeepers to elevate the socioeconomic status of outsiders in the islands while overlooking its people.
Irina your documentaries/ presentations are golden! This was the most accurate and informative breakdown I've seen on this topic. I honestly hope your platform and your expertise as a journalist can be utilized by more jamaicans as they try to better understand the socio-economic state of our country. Thank you!! I need a part 2🤗
This looks like something you’d watch in school! It was so professional, well laid out & of course, educational & informative. 🤌🏾
I’m struggling as a software engineer in Jamaica, for comparison my pay is less than a Walmart worker in Florida. I am moving to America to work for a better wage as my current salary can’t even get me loan for a car or house
Go. North America is the land of opportunity. You could find opportunities here in Canada too. 🇨🇦 🇨🇦 🇨🇦 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲
what kind of software engineer are you? What's your speciality?
The reduction of brain drain is because we are not as employable nor competitive as before. So why leave if you are not as valued. Better you stay..go figure!
Thanks for doing the research and always being rational
Instead of sensational!
That’s very important to note about Irina - rational over sensational.
Very good documentary. Excellent research. Let us not forget that sometimes the search for a so called good life comes with challenges such as illnesses and being overworked.
Very impressive video. My family is Jamaican, but I was born in the US and raised in NY. I learned all types of things in this video I did not know. Keep up the good work! And Slava Ukraine!
Is her face supported to be talking for Jamaica? She looks European she should be talking about European matters in EU
She thinks her experience is the same as ours.
@@Decimo10X i dont think its the same
@@mlionea Definitely not
Greaf vlog as ever. The stats don't lie. We recently quit the UK and are now living a simple and enriching life in St Catherine. We carry out voluntary work and are now seeking to share our experiences with others wishing to visit this beautiful island. You are an Inspiration and I wish you and your family continued success and happiness x
I graduated from the University of Technology a couple years ago and haven’t used my certificate once. Inability to get a job while others, less qualified, can get the job because of “links”. Another reason for brain drain.
Sadly, now its hard to move back to jamaica with the cost of homes +land
As always Irina, splendid video! Your journalism is always great to witness.
It's commonly said that the thing weh a stop nuff a we, is opportunity. I concur with your conclusion on business being a great opportunity-but Irie, not with this government.
You mention big demand, little supply...the average man cannot meet that with JA customs. 9 years ago before you came, our people began to discover online shopping bit by bit and never went back! Why? Because it was cheaper than buying anything local and to this day depending on the item, it still is like that.
Only those with high influence as seen with the Chinese and Americans for e.g., are better able to take advantage of this business opportunity. It is *very* hard otherwise. See, Starbucks and Krispy Kreme come and sweep the rug from Café Blue and Prestige.
GRANTED, these two brands weren't expanding and innovating, which is a problem our people have-but how can they really compete with the former brands with their influence and bagga money? It's hard. Not impossible, but this nuance needs to be understood for this discussion.
That 3 mil diaspora must then include late General Colin Powell. A great man and leader.
IRENE YOU ARE CREDIT TO Jamaica iam glad you are living there you are greatly love by all Jamaican in the Diaspora.may you and your Family continue the enjoy the best the country can offer.thanks for speaking up for Jamaica.❤❤
YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN!!.YOU ARTICULATE THE FACTS AS YOU SEE THEM ...I AM SURE YOU ARE OPENING THE EYES OF JAMAICANS AND THE GOVERNMENT IN JAMAICA 🇯🇲 TO OUR POTENTIALS..I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT WHEN YOU SPEAK OF JAMAICA YOU REFER TO US AS WE MEANING YOU ALSO INCLUDED.VERY POSITIVE INDEED. ❤
I'm not even jamaican and I watched this video to the end, Great video essay and I learnt quite a bit, there are many parallels with South Africa where i'm from. Thanks for sharing
You are spot on… you really get the psychology of Jamaicans re migration!
Looking forward to the "Irish Connection" video. I am not surprised by the high percentage of Jamaicans with Irish connections; it runs in my Family. My Great Grandmother, on my mother's side, is 100% Irish...
Great presentation Irie. A part of the challenge is crime, unemployment and then we don't really know how good we have it here. Yes it might be better elsewhere for a number of reasons. However Jamaica is still one of the best places in the world, which is why alot of those who left visit, retire or support relatives or advertise the culture where they are and pass the identity onto their children and grandchildren.
Best place to advertise however is heaven. Jesus is coming soon.
God bless
The problem is and always has been THE GOVERNMENT! the island itself is beautiful...problem is the government....gun flooded into the country was caused by the government...both sides fighting for position. It will take too long to go on depth....another problem...the government selling out Jamaicas minerals with nothing in return to help the people. The country us backed solely on tourism...its a failing concept...government cause that too...they let foreigners come here with their money, build hotels that barely hire people in Jamaica...most of the profits of tourism goes to who owns it and the corrupt government while not trickling down to the people....IMF!! Who signed off on that? You guest it....the government....IMF does nothing for a country...its a debt they cannot pay back...don't believe me...go ask Greece. With all these things plus no jobs from those coming out of school...the service sector us heavily underpaid while these corrupt politicians line their pockets and give themselves 250% increase...instead of putting money fir better health care...better hospitals etc. I can go on....and if ur view point is one from upper society and not seeing it from the have not that's also a problem.
Your research is next level good, you hit the nail on the head, never really thought about it in that same way. I’m a Jamaican living in Canada and I really couldn’t imagine living somewhere that I would have to learn a new language. I almost guarantee that I couldn’t do it.
😊
would love for you to cover topic like these on the CARICOM /caribbean region. they are extremely educational
Love you, Irene, and keep promoting Jamaica. We need to get the government from destroying the cockpit country. This will destroy the under ground water system. If you haven't done a tour please engage in such by starting from Duncan in Trelawny, then Clarks Town, Jackson Town, Alps, Ulster Spring, Albert Town, Stewart Town(where massive bauxite mining is being down)AlbertlAlbert Albert ltto
Hi ms irie really enjoying your videos and your brilliance in research and determination of history of our beautiful island also more about the rest of the world in comparison .... awesome i been following you for about 3 years and so impressed at all your videos i am now living in the USA however i would love to meet you to have a sit down when i returns on visit... i would really like to help jamaicans to be great because we are the greatest..., but they don't know
Jamaicans speak with an Irish accent and we have an Irish sense of humor. We laugh at our selves just like the Irish.
Its so funny to hear an Irish person and a Jamaican having a conversation.
The first time I found myself in an Irish enclave in NYC, I thought I was dreaming. Wow! That is when I realized how the Jamaican accent was so heavily influenced by the Irish.
@@grace-fc2kf I had an Irish mechanic in the 1980s who hired mainly Jamaican mechanics.
He told me they understood him and he understood them. It makes his business runs smoothly. There was no miscommunication
Excellent! My sentiment and it echoes my presentation at a small function.
One reality out of the recent COVID event is how valuable our English speaking carribean medical professionals (other areas as well) are to those other countries. So Jamaica, The Bahamas can identify with the pull factor especially from places like USA and UK. Great Docu Irena to a very enlightening theme.
I mean elsalvador is doing way better than Jamaica now
Wayyyyyy Better.
This is absolutely fantastic! Educational & Inspirational- I reside in Belize 🇧🇿, Central America- Originally from YAAD! #lovesign #Maranatha
🇯🇲Very well done! Thank you!🇯🇲
El Salvador's brain drain is actually similar to the one of Jamaica with Jamaica ranked at 2nd globally and El Salvador close behind at 7th. One point that could be pointed out is also geography.
Scottish have a bigger connection to Jamaica than the Irish! Check it out, it’s not talked about much
I did check of course. There are all sorts of links to Scotland and I will talk about them in a separate video. However, when it comes to DNA - there is more Irish than the Scottish. This has to do with many factors, I will mention them all in the documentary.
She mentioned el Salvador 🇸🇻 there's a alot of El Salvadorians migrating to America 🇺🇸 where i live in Is called Little El Salvador
Very good content love your videos,on this topic I think FEAR is a big driver also believe it or not has a Ukrainian national you can go anywhere in Jamaica without issue i can't even visit where I was born in Kingston without a chaperone,its such a complex subject keep up the good works..
Thanks for doing this video. It will always be that way foreigners will always see what the natives do not see. When you have lived your life and are wiser you know what is most important in life. Most people who have savings and want to relax often seek out a tropical area where their money can stretch.
I would first like to say that i love the piece you just did. It was extremely informative. But i would also like to say that i have just returned to the island after 40yrs aboard. Since returning I now believe that Jamaica is one of the most corrupt countries in the western hemisphere. And because of that corruption it has me thinking of leaving the island for good.