I have been thinking profusely about the position of Montserratians who moved abroad due to the volcanic circumstances that prevailed at home. Particularly, my thought was more focussed on whether there will ever be a return to Montserrat, en masse, of all those that left at the height of the volcanic crisis.
I took the liberty to go so far as to conduct a mini survey. The question that I simply posed was; do you see yourself returning to live in Montserrat? Even though minimal, the responses that I got varied from an absolute yes to a total rejection of the thought of ever going back to live in Montserrat. The yes responses, as always, will be very encouraging. However, it is the No responses and the reasons and conditions attached that most caught my attention and led me to mull over a few thoughts.
For an extended period I have been concerned that Montserratians abroad, specifically those who moved due to the volcano, will in time become what I choose to call "the forgotten generation." I will risk the swords of those who may think that this statement is sensational, and I am sure it will raise the adrenalin in some, but it is a issue that in my opinion cannot entirely be dismissed.
Hearing the concerns of many Montserratians, there is an overbearing feeling of disenchantment with the facts on the ground back in Montserrat and also a deep longing to return home that is embedded deep within many.
Fourteen years on though, the topic of discussion is still very much about the redevelopment of Montserrat. However, now more than ever I feel it is time for us to reclaim our country.
What do I mean? Well, it is my belief that at this juncture, we cannot allow issues concerning our redevelopment and the well being of our people to balloon indefinitely out of our sphere of influence. What I often wonder is, if the island is being redeveloped with the thought of attracting Montserratians back home in large numbers, or is it being redeveloped with the mindset that those who have gone are away for good?
The redevelopment of Montserrat should fundamentally be about and concerned with our people. The people of Montserrat are the greatest asset that the island now has at its disposal. This is an opportune moment for us to diversify our economy and set a trend for economic development & self sustenance that is people-centred; an overall empowering of Montserratians to take the helm of our island's redevelopment.
A vast number of Montserratians currently on foreign shores have considerably invested in their personal development and have either attained some form of tertiary education, learned a profession through apprenticeship, or have developed a very keen entrepreneurial spirit. These are individuals who, if the right incentives are provided to return home, can contribute significantly to the economic resurgence of Montserrat.
Looking to the future, investing in people I think will be key to take our island back to prosperity. Think of it. The island is prime for development and investment and we need the political, economic and social paradigms to be put in place that will encourage and be the catalyst for growth.
After 14 years of economic dependency, we are being relatively controlled by outside powers. Can we get Montserrat to a standard that will be competitive once again? I believe we can, but our people need to be the ones driving this redevelopment. We need to hatch a plan for the long term, look proactively at the sectors, the industries that are showing growth currently, and seek to identify new industries that can further drive and sustain growth.
Montserrat can be great again and I think it is time we all put hearts and minds together to instigate our renewal.
I took the liberty to go so far as to conduct a mini survey. The question that I simply posed was; do you see yourself returning to live in Montserrat? Even though minimal, the responses that I got varied from an absolute yes to a total rejection of the thought of ever going back to live in Montserrat. The yes responses, as always, will be very encouraging. However, it is the No responses and the reasons and conditions attached that most caught my attention and led me to mull over a few thoughts.
For an extended period I have been concerned that Montserratians abroad, specifically those who moved due to the volcano, will in time become what I choose to call "the forgotten generation." I will risk the swords of those who may think that this statement is sensational, and I am sure it will raise the adrenalin in some, but it is a issue that in my opinion cannot entirely be dismissed.
Hearing the concerns of many Montserratians, there is an overbearing feeling of disenchantment with the facts on the ground back in Montserrat and also a deep longing to return home that is embedded deep within many.
Fourteen years on though, the topic of discussion is still very much about the redevelopment of Montserrat. However, now more than ever I feel it is time for us to reclaim our country.
What do I mean? Well, it is my belief that at this juncture, we cannot allow issues concerning our redevelopment and the well being of our people to balloon indefinitely out of our sphere of influence. What I often wonder is, if the island is being redeveloped with the thought of attracting Montserratians back home in large numbers, or is it being redeveloped with the mindset that those who have gone are away for good?
The redevelopment of Montserrat should fundamentally be about and concerned with our people. The people of Montserrat are the greatest asset that the island now has at its disposal. This is an opportune moment for us to diversify our economy and set a trend for economic development & self sustenance that is people-centred; an overall empowering of Montserratians to take the helm of our island's redevelopment.
A vast number of Montserratians currently on foreign shores have considerably invested in their personal development and have either attained some form of tertiary education, learned a profession through apprenticeship, or have developed a very keen entrepreneurial spirit. These are individuals who, if the right incentives are provided to return home, can contribute significantly to the economic resurgence of Montserrat.
Looking to the future, investing in people I think will be key to take our island back to prosperity. Think of it. The island is prime for development and investment and we need the political, economic and social paradigms to be put in place that will encourage and be the catalyst for growth.
After 14 years of economic dependency, we are being relatively controlled by outside powers. Can we get Montserrat to a standard that will be competitive once again? I believe we can, but our people need to be the ones driving this redevelopment. We need to hatch a plan for the long term, look proactively at the sectors, the industries that are showing growth currently, and seek to identify new industries that can further drive and sustain growth.
Montserrat can be great again and I think it is time we all put hearts and minds together to instigate our renewal.
What you have is a chicken and egg senario. We in Montserrat want you to come home and to bring your skills and ideas to the table. We are still very much bleeding and the wounds are being filled by our CARICOM bretheren and Santos. Our reality is that you have left and forgotten (even dispised)us not the other way around. When the returnees come home they demand UK/US matching pay and throw tantrums if their demands are not met. Oh and we often bend over backwards and then still get kicked in the face and nuts. Attitudes must change I grant you, that you guys have things we don't have here but giving up Montserrat for some of us is not an option while. If we love Montserrat and her people we would find a way no matter the sacrifice to do her proud so if you want to be home pack your bags and come ready to serve like those left behind, don't try to lord it over us!
ReplyDeleteI speak for many when I say that we have definitely not forgotten about Montserrat and our fellow Montserratians there. I think one thing we Montserratians have in common is a passion for our island, Montserrat. There is truly no place like her.
ReplyDeleteBeing outside only reminds us of that. I guess 'Anonymous' is right about us wanting to return being all snobby and expecting a certain amount of pay. Maybe we shouldn't, who knows? I just know one main deterrent for people returning is the astronomical prices of items in Montserrat. It's ridiculous.
I am one who desire to return to Montserrat in the near future.
Hey J. Nice blog,
ReplyDeleteI think you raised some interesting points. Another angle the issue can be look at is from a historical perspective. Not that of Montserrat, but of other islands that went through the windrush era, such as Jamaica for instance. Where a generation came to UK with the hopes of returning home but many never did. Most people simply become assimulated into the host country in a way that they just cannot leave.
I think that what makes a country yours is more that birth, its even more than family. I think what makes it yours is a sense of ownership, you must own something in a country you call yours such as land or a house you can call your own. As many Montserratians lost what they need to belong, perhaps that connection is also lost.
Only a few will ever go back. To those that were born in the UK or US that sense of belonging will fade even further as the host county swallow them up.
The need to get involve will no longer be there, again but only for a few.
*(Sorry for grammar/spelling @ work at moment)
ReplyDeleteDear Sir,
ReplyDeleteMontserrat is a lovely island but what I can't understand is why is the diaspora are sometimes accused of forgetting the island of their birth?
Lets face it, there isn't much potential for people in Montserrat to develop their skills and full potential. The diaspora plays an essential role in promoting the country in a positive light. The problem here is that so many of us have come to the UK/US and have very little for ourselves so we arent in a position to 'sell' Montserrat to others effectively - hence why we have to rely on big corporations to do so. Maybe you should do a feature about how many Montserratians are doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs etc in the diaspora, particularly those that relocated as a result of the volcano.
Furthermore you seem to be concentrating on the outward perception of Montserrat. What I am concerned with is whether Montserrations there are receiving the highest education possible because that in the long run will determine Montserrat's Future.
I left Montserrat after the volcano.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I think the occurence of the volcano has done a lot of good in terms of a number of things:
opportunites for individuals' personal development
an escape for those like myself who have been wronged and have been hidden under the carpet
A corrupt and useless Government and a lack of leadership to name a few
Those who have stayed back in Montserrat would have of been prospering or not able to leave and those who left, left in search of something.
Montserrat will live on whether or not generations are lost, however,it would be great if we can build a system that would be strong, more of forward movement and togetherness but for me this seems far fetched!
I think it is great that we are hearing from both sides of the fence on this issue.
ReplyDeleteThere has always been that stigma attached to Montserratians that have left as having abandoned their home. This I do not agree with as the circumstances that prevailed have got to be contextualised in light of what was going on in Montserrat. The realities of survival dictated that some of individuals had to leave.
Frankly, I think it is wise and well that we have our Caricom brothers & sisters that have helped to keep Montserrat on its feet. I respect that. However, the central theme of my argument rests in making a case to have a concerted push to have Montserratians at the helm of our redevelopment.
Pack up and come home some may say, but with this very same sentiment is it not also viable to expect that there are sound, visionary and progressive plans that Montserratians abroad can buy into & pack up and come home to? Also, the collective mindset of seeing born & bred Montserratians who left as a result of the volvanic crisis as foreigners may also need adjusting.
Lets keep this discussion going. Kindly continue to share your valued opinions.
Sometimes you have to stop and think, does Montserrat really have the right infrastructure or resources to support its people if a large majority of the people who left decide to come home?
ReplyDeleteThere are people who left and would love to return home, likewise you have those who don't.
I was the first to comment.
ReplyDeleteMontserrat is not nor ever will it be what was before the volcano.
I think those who left, if they want to comeback must do so with an open mind. Come back to give of what you gained overseas. Forget (hard to do) how we in our often awkward way will treat or look at you. We feel we were the ones who sacrificed and kept alive a Montserrat you could return to. We see all the opportunities and social activities avialable to you where you are and we are just a little jealous. There is a price to pay staying/going. Each one must count the cost for him/her self.
Only if we have people here, preferrably our own can we hope to survive as a people. The Montserrat identity is slipping away and unlike the Windrush days we actually have the void (and you guys have left a void) being filled with other people and cultures which are enveloping us and not the other way around.
Exposure to different atmospheres render people to change life styles to assimilate themselves and become accepted among their predominant dwellings. Needless to say change is and has being inevitable. So people coming back to Montserrat wont feel the need to, because they are full aware of the life they had before and the life they are living now. However, many people who are not professional nor like working and depend on hand out and easy living without challenges wont come back. Truly you don't need them. You would hope to attract the progressive, hardworking and ambitious individual that would sit back at the end of the day and feel satisfied of what he/she has given to the country. These are the people we need to attract, the people who is geared in the progressiveness of Montserrat and eventually it will trickle down through time.
ReplyDelete"you people" over there, always get under the skin of "we people" over here. You come over to us as a people who think that merely going to England because of whatever circumstance have made you a "superior person/individual to us who have remained and suffered here.my friend that is not so . If you think that you have achieved then come back to help us ease the pressure. your rantings "from a distant only further depress me. Time for action cut the "old talk and ACT.
ReplyDeleteIt is this mentality that stifles our progres as a people and one we should seek to eradicate. It is not an us versus you scenario that we should try to promote but more of a 'ONE MONTSERRAT' stance.
ReplyDeleteI am not convinced that people who live abroad feel superior to those who live back home in Montserrat. What I can say is that those who live abroad are concernd with the future development of the land that we love and will seek to explore practices and trends that can be changed or adopted to better our condition. All of those who have left will not return. Some will, some won't but very much so the diaspora do have a role to play in the redevelopment of Montserrat and that does not mean that we all have to pack up and head back home.
We all need to look towards a positive future and pull together and subtract this at home & abroad mentality. It serves us no good.
Anyone elle tired of the Shite talk from people in the UK? always making flippin excuses why they have to stay in England and party their lives away.
ReplyDeleteMost of them are a waste of time but we still need them back; even if they are just more mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. Every economy needs a certain amout of useless people. No disrespect to the few bright ones who dare to try and make a difference.
Jeev, first of all, I love you man, you are alright by me!
ReplyDeleteTo the point, as I posted on facebook a few days ago- It is sad as other caribbean nationals come up to me saying "small island man, why such a little country have to have so many elections in one decade".I have no asnwers for such a question.
Why cant we effectively govern ourselves? Why do we have elections but yet we vote almost the same people in and continue the cycle, why?
I wish I could be home but it's not as easy as packing my bags and familly and say let go to Montserrat, not that easy. I am working towards that though and to anyone who think of us (those who migrated after the volcanoe)as outsiders or whatever, got news for you. We love our island, most of us if we had the choice we would be there, most of us, we plan to come back. alot of us, if we do come home now what do we do? I have an Aviation Engineering Degree, what do I do with that in Montserrat? For some of us it's not practical for various reasons and that needs to be reconized before we are labled.
Dale A
I visited Montserrat twice in the last two years to see if it was feasible to return home. I couldn't believe the prices people have to pay in the shops. I wanted by buy a fresh chicken, I drove all over Montserrat, to no avail. If you ask for a particular product, you are told that the Dominica boat has not arrived as yet. These are things that people can grow. I grow them in England in my allotment. The health care is appalling. It is sad that after all these years it has not been rectified. There is no clear pathway regarding health care in Montserrat.
ReplyDeleteTourism has gone up approximately 25% in the Caribbean. On a Sunday in Montserrat if you are a tourist, it is like a ghost town. Nothing is going down in Montserrat. There isn't a lot to look forward to. You want to buy a gift or souvenir of something made in Montserrat, something carved out of wood, or even stone, pointless exercise. You want to spend your money, but nothing to spend it on. So you wait until you get to Antigua. It is sad. When you experience these things, it is difficult to say you are returning home. Five years back, the island had more going on and a far better experience. Now I new homes are springing up all over the place, but they are empty. Most people are abroad.