It is August 2014, a new load of Caribbean students are arriving in Europe and probably North and South America as well. The students of 2010 are probably graduating, or already have. We are still in a global recession, jobs are scarce and things have changed compared to 4 years ago.
In said previous blog I mentioned the "colonial mentality syndrome" (CMS). And promised I would refer to this in a future (this) blog. I don't have statistics and other data to give a scientific basis for this topic, but base myself on experiences and chats with fellow Caribs. This is a blog that is open for (constructive) criticism and feedback. You are welcome to share your opinion and views as well.
For a lot of Caribbean Islands Tourism is one of the top economical sectors or industries, and therefore generates many jobs. However, one can argue that the tourism industry generates many low-level (paying) jobs and little high level (paying) jobs. Here is where the CMS comes in. Many times the top jobs are filled by people not native to the Island. I must be honest and admit that I have experienced many locals (on various Islands) being part of top management. Nevertheless, I am still seeing many foreigners in top management. To me it is funny as it is a mirror effect of Western countries complaining that foreigners (incl. Caribs) take their jobs. Therefore I try to take an objective look at things and leave nationalism, pride and personal feelings/opinion aside. The world is becoming more and more a global marketplace. This includes the job market. Is it then such a bad thing that a non-native has a job in a country he/she is originally not from? As I see it now, one should go and work where there is work and you are able to be the best you can be and happy. Are you a European dreaming of working in the tropics? Go for it. Are you a Carib dreaming of a cosmopolitan lifestyle and career in a modern western city? Go for it. At this point we should not let man-made borders stop us achieving our dreams. This sounds nice and reads like an idealistic pamflet, and many might say: yes, but you don't now my situation...
I agree, things are not as black and white, easy and straightforward as we would like them to be. So lets go back to the title of the blog and take a look at developments and opportunities back home. In a modern and ever more globalised world, the chance is big that you end up looking for a job with a large company or corporation. In tourism for example you might end up at one of the large hotel/resort chains, cruise lines, Airlines or operators. "Aha" I hear you say, "they are the ones employing foreign westerners for the top positions", hence the CMS. I used to agree with this quick judgement, but have changed my opinion over time. I personally know a couple of Caribbean natives who worked their way up and now have senior level jobs at these large corporations/organizations. I also know a lot of Caribs who occupy top level jobs locally on the Islands. Should we still point that CMS finger then? maybe yes, maybe no, but in any case, less. It all boils down to what you bring to the table. "Talent does get recognised", I was told long ago, and I believe this. It also depends a lot on your own efforts. We can get comfortable and less hungry and then get stuck into a certain comfort zone. Is there still inequality and do Human Resource depts. still show preference to foreigners? Probably, but don't let that stop you. Opportunity levels can differ per Caribbean Island and I tend to hypothesise that the Spanish Caribbean suffers most of CMS. The limiting factors I encounter when talking to people are: not having acces to travelling documents (Visa) and limited knowledge of International languages (English).
One of the many pitfalls for professional Caribs returning home is getting frustrated, when they are not able to bring change fast, and falling into the conformity trap. In my opinion this trap is biggest when working for the public sector (as a civil servant and/or politician). You need to be aware and accept what you will encounter upon your return. Of course your will to provide a positive contribution should remain top of your agenda, but don't be naive and get burned down to easy and quick.
A fellow blogger recently posted an interesting piece on this topic (in Dutch), urging students to think hard before coming back. Especially when dealing with Student loans ion USD$ and Euros. His advice was to stay abroad first to build up your career and pay off your student loans. And many of his readers (on social media) agreed.
Why did I wrote this blog? As a 37 year old Caribbean native, I hope I can raise awareness on CMS and provide support for the new generations and their knowledge and will to change. If you feel that our generation (35+) can still stir-up a revolution....let me know
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