The Editor, Sir:

I am becoming annoyed at hearing emigrants who return for a short visit degrade the country or community which they visit. These comments are usually accompanied by, 'This could never happen in America' etc; but didn't they always know that from they were here? Have they forgotten that those are the same reasons which caused them to migrate? They fail to realise that they have fallen short of their 'patriotic' duty, which is to return to their communities to pioneer its development.

Too often we see Jamaicans migrating to other more-established or more-developed areas, or countries, to uplift themselves, but do not return to add any value to the communities they so loved. So how is it expected to develop? It has been long known that the only remediation to the 'brain drain' is giving back to your community or country. In that way, it will achieve progress nonetheless.

No assistance to community

In the Duanvale community where I live, for instance, hundreds, or maybe thousands, of persons currently reside outside the community and not many offer assistance to community programmes. There have been numerous activities performed by various youth groups in the area which require assistance. We now have a talented football team struggling for support … It is hard to think that we have so many able persons living outside who could aid in our quest for community upliftment.

So Jamaicans, let us always remember our 'home' and support our communities when we become able and not just return when we have retired. This is the only way to stem the massive brain drain that Jamaica now experiences. After all, where could be better than home?

I am, etc.,

JEFFREY BROWN

jeffreya_brown@yahoo.com