Stopping brain drain in the Caribbean

FROM CUBA in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, North America has masterminded the importation of the intellectual minds from the Caribbean.

Many scholars, after attaining their quality education in the Caribbean, have found the attraction to migrate to North America for greener pastures.

I have concluded that the design of the education system must be re-examined in order to help stop that bleeding.

It is as a result of too much white-collar education as opposed to blue-collar education.

Moreover, the education system should be adjusted to the needs of every individual Caribbean country.

Why produce so many lawyers when fishing and agriculture are the mainstay of the economy?

Another concern is the class divide in society, which frustrates the growth and development of one country, and creates an environment for mass migration among the so-called educated elite.

It has become apparent that the school system, from elementary to graduate school, has failed to prevent this brain drain epidemic.

In retrospect, what are the possible solutions that one could think of?

A meaningful consideration should be given to a micro view that does not include mass television influence. However, there needs to be a macro view that comes with an adequate developmental and economical plan that can enrich the needs of the Caribbean islands. For example, examine the full benefits of cocoa beans as a project, which can eventually create jobs and supply local markets at a reasonable price.

With proper plans in place, over time the thought that the grass is greener elsewhere will gradually diminish.

Remember, poverty and underdevelopment prevail among countries that have suffered from the epidemic call the brain drain disease.

Therefore, in the integrated Caribbean, there should be constant dialogue to create awareness in order to cure and prevent that massive educational brain drain from plaguing the entire Caribbean. GLENVILLE REMY glenremy1@gmail.com