Encouraged by new Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's inaugural address welcoming the Diaspora in Jamaica's development, some Jamaicans in South Florida have an urge to return home and be involved in the process. Their motives, however, may seem more personal than altruistic. Many, laboring under the now stagnant employment market in South Florida, are hoping to find better career prospects with the new administration.
It's not unusual for Jamaicans residing overseas to reach out to compatriots in a new administration for career opportunities, either as an employee, advisor or consultant. When the JLP won the 2007 elections several Jamaicans in South Florida returned home to assume political and public sector appointments.
With the recent PNP victory, however, the urge to return home seems stronger. Among those interested in returning home include not only winning People's National Party (PNP) supporters, but also people who were supportive and confident of a Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) victory.
One experienced Jamaican-American nurse in Miramar said, "Although I wanted [Andrew] Holness to be prime minister, I have no problem with Portia, and I'm ready to go home tomorrow to help in the island's healthcare development, especially in the rural areas. I can't get suitable work here, so I'm prepared to work in Jamaica."
The high unemployment plaguing South Florida over the past two years plays a part in the increased interest among the Diaspora to return home, hoping to find work with the new government.
Lacie Sloley of Lauderhill holds a MA in marketing, but has been unable to land a job since graduating from college in May, 2011. The 28-year-old said although she was born in America (of Jamaican parents) she has visited Jamaica occasionally, loves it, and is confident she can make a meaningful contribution in the area of youth development. She has already emailed applications to the new Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, to seek employment opportunities.
Although in recent years Jamaican leaders have extended invitations for skilled, experienced Jamaicans in the Diaspora to return home and become involved in the nation's development, this has not produced many successful results for job-seeking Jamaicans returning to the country for employment. Except for jobs obtained through political influence, some in the Diaspora have expressed disappointment since they did not get the advertised jobs they applied for.
Irma Pleasant of Miami said she once traveled to Jamaica looking for a job, but met resentment by Jamaicans who bluntly asked her why she had come to "rob jobs meant for people who live there."
A member of the new administration speaking on condition of anonymity admitted Jamaica's priorities are currently "to focus on finding jobs for people here." However, he also said there is a need for skilled, veteran Jamaicans, "living in the Diaspora. If these people want to return home to fill appropriate vacancies, they will be welcomed."
