Talking Dollars and Making Sense: Unlocking the potential of Guyana's Diaspora

By Rennie Parris

Welcome back to Talking Dollars & Making Sense. Today, we’re diving deeper into the first pillar of our proposed Comprehensive National Development Plan for Guyana – one that centers on our most valuable resource: our human capital. Historically, we’ve watched many of our brightest minds build successful careers abroad, benefiting foreign countries more than their homeland. Meanwhile, Guyana’s reliance on remittances, about US$550 million in 2023, barely scratches the surface of what our global community can truly offer. Imagine if we harnessed the diaspora’s expertise, networks, and capital in a structured, strategic way. That’s exactly what this proposal aims to accomplish.

Why the Diaspora Matters

At its core, national development is about uplifting people, ensuring that every citizen can shape and benefit from the country’s progress. Yet, according to the Migration Policy Institute, 90% of Guyanese with tertiary education and 40% with secondary education live abroad. This isn’t just an idle statistic; it’s a call to action.

Our diaspora is a wellspring of talent and resources. By bringing home even a fraction of these skilled professionals, we can revolutionize sectors like education, healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and legal and regulatory reform. This is no mere aspiration: it’s a practical, achievable objective when backed by focused planning and strong political will.

Identifying Skilled Professionals

Reaching Out to Affinity Groups
The journey begins with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation forging direct ties with Guyanese associations and networks worldwide. Targeted advertising campaigns can invite diaspora members to submit résumés and references. Then have an annual diaspora conference in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Collaborating with a reputable employment hiring and background check firm will ensure that only the most qualified candidates move forward.
Expanding the Pool: Recent Retirees and Entrepreneurs
While mid-career professionals are often the first thought, we should also tap into recent retirees who bring decades of experience and a desire to contribute meaningfully. Established entrepreneurs can introduce new ideas, spur innovation, and help build a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Even philanthropists looking to invest their time and resources can be valuable contributors to Guyana’s development.
Sabbaticals and Contract Work
For professionals who remain active in the workforce, the Guyanese government can collaborate with their employers to offer one-year sabbaticals. These skilled Guyanese would return home to work on national projects under competitively paid contracts. Extended or multiple-year contracts should also be available for those willing to spend more time on the ground.
A Centralized Diaspora Database
To sustain momentum, a dedicated digital platform or diaspora register should be established. This would track skilled Guyanese, list current and upcoming projects, and facilitate direct communication between government agencies and diaspora professionals. Over time, this database becomes a living resource for matching Guyana’s needs with the diaspora’s expertise.

Building a Diaspora Community

Adapting to life back in Guyana can be tough, especially for those accustomed to different cultural, professional, and infrastructural norms. Constructing a residential hub, complete with reliable security, modern amenities, and efficient transportation, provides a comfortable landing spot for those that do not have a home in Guyana.

This community fosters connection and collaboration among returning professionals, while offering a sense of familiarity, making it easier for them to focus on the essential work of nation-building rather than logistical hurdles.

Cultural Integration & Knowledge Transfer

A short, intensive Guyanese cultural training program can minimize friction between diaspora returnees and local teams. By highlighting cultural norms, workplace expectations, and the realities of on-the-ground project management, the training ensures that both groups collaborate smoothly.

Moreover, every contract should mandate knowledge transfer. Whether it’s modernizing healthcare protocols, integrating new software platforms in public administration, or upgrading agricultural methods, returning professionals must impart their expertise to local teams. This not only enriches our immediate capacity but also builds a pipeline of homegrown talent for the future.

Virtual Pre-Planning

Efficient deployment is key. Before diaspora teams even arrive, they can collaborate virtually with local counterparts through project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com etc. By organizing tasks, timelines, and objectives online, both local and diaspora teams can hit the ground running. The result? Less time spent on preliminary planning and more energy directed toward execution, training, and capacity building.

From Remittances to Real Impact

No one discounts the importance of remittances, which have long served as a financial lifeline for families. But the real transformative power lies in leveraging the diaspora’s skill sets and global networks. Imagine healthcare facilities reimagined by diaspora doctors and nurses, infrastructural projects managed by experienced engineers, and a tech sector boosted by Guyanese innovators from major global hubs.

This isn’t a pipe dream; it’s an achievable plan with the right mix of political will and strategic investment. And whichever administration effectively implements this diaspora strategy stands to catalyze lasting development in Guyana.

Conclusion

Guyana is no stranger to opportunity, but opportunity alone doesn’t guarantee success. True progress demands that we mobilize every available asset—chief among them, our diaspora. Through robust recruitment, structured employment, well-planned housing, and a steadfast commitment to knowledge transfer, we can usher in an era of transformation unlike anything we’ve seen before.

This isn’t just another policy recommendation; it’s a moral imperative and a clarion call for Guyanese worldwide. Our country deserves the very best, and we already have it, all we need is to reach out and welcome them back home.

Have thoughts or questions on how to make this vision a reality? I’d love to hear from you at [email protected]. Let’s shape Guyana’s future together – one returning professional, retiree, entrepreneur, and visionary at a time.