In a country of coexistent contradictions, few as striking as the extremes of wealth and poverty evidenced by housing conditions, the colourful patriotism which waxes and wanes with the fortunes of the Reggae Boyz is not at odds with the seemingly unending line outside the United States' Embassy in Liguanea, St. Andrew.

The omnipresent neighbour looming 'up north' is the destination of choice for those seeking a better life than is afforded them in Jamaica, land we sometimes love. However, as reported in The Sunday Gleaner, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Jamaican emigrants being accepted into not only the U.S.A. but also the other prime destinations of Britain and Canada.

As reported, recent Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) data show a slash by one third of the number accepted into these territories between 1995 and 2006, an even more extreme fall-off over 2004 to 2006 masked by the overall figure. And with the spectre of terrorism overseas sometimes taking explosive form, the latest incident being the failed airport attacks in Glasgow, Scotland, the situation does not seem about to improve any time soon for prospective Jamaican emigrants.

One implication is that we should prepare ourselves for the possible reduction in remittances in the medium to long term. The strictures being imposed should provide sobering thought for those who are optimistic that the current rate at which Jamaicans have been sending money back home is sustainable over an extended period or is likely to be increased.

This means that more persons who have an outward focus for their personal escape, if not entirely a solution, will find themselves having to make do in Jamaica. This will require, of course, a mindset that is based on the possibility of progress in the country of their birth. Patriotism will therefore have to become something more than a stirring National Anthem or an attractive black, green and gold design; it will have to be something that is practised, if not consciously, then at least as an underlying principle to continuous investments of time, resources and energy in Jamaica.

More people will have to become genuine patriots, even if by default.

Ironically, with about as many Jamaicans reported to be living abroad as those residing here, that patriotic fervour often increases away from home, as indicated by the number, many officially citizens of the host country, who turn out to support Jamaican athletes when they parade their skills overseas, especially in the United States at events such as the annual Penn Relays.

Unfortunately, among the statistics published on Sunday is a 41.4 per cent emigration rate for doctors, this being the tip of a staggering brain drain in which more professionals are accepted for migration. In light of the high percentage of teachers and medical personnel who opt for living overseas and the avenues to do so which are opened up to them, we must consider strategies, among them bonding and increased remuneration, which will keep them here.

Where patriotism by dint of rejection is not facilitated, then certainly it must be encouraged to sweeten skilled labour.