12/11/2024
Throwback: Post from May 6, 2019. Due to its continued relevance, it is being reposted without edits. It appears that the Facebook algorithm tends to obscure my articles, yet I will persist in sharing them. In commemoration of Veteran's Day, I am resharing my article from the previous year. See Article below.
How Can the Gambian Diaspora's Brain Drain Be Converted into a Wisdom Gain?
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: The Gambian diaspora plays a crucial role in boosting Gambia's economic growth. World Bank statistics reveal that in March 2018, the diaspora remitted $46 billion. The Gambia is among the top ten countries for remittances, ranking second. The financial impact of the Gambian diaspora's contributions significantly surpasses most international development aid received annually.
This marks a 22% increase from the $187 million sent in 2017. Actual figures might be higher since they only account for inter-bank transfers and exclude money sent through MoneyGram and Western Union. The diaspora's contributions exceed the total foreign aid received by the national treasury.
Despite their significant contributions to the Gambian economy, both present and past governments have not taken this key constituency seriously. The question arises: Why is the Diaspora given a raw deal in Gambia's governance systems and processes? Many African countries are leveraging their Diaspora for nation-building, yet the situation in Gambia is dire. The Diaspora feels underappreciated by the government at home and by Gambia's embassies abroad, being seen only as cash cows. The subpar services Gambians receive at embassies abroad are concerning. Recently, Gambians in Asia and other parts of Europe protested against the poor services at the embassies, with issues such as obtaining travel documents and renewing passports. Furthermore, the lack of logistics for Diaspora number registration rollout in the diaspora has left many in a state of uncertainty.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia boasts a wealth of untapped diaspora expertise, including accomplished doctors, engineers, and technology experts currently practicing overseas. Despite this, the Gambian government has not leveraged their skills. Instead, it opts for medical treatment in India, engages Chinese contractors for infrastructure projects, and Cuban doctors to staff its hospitals. These foreign professionals often receive higher pay and better benefits than their Gambian counterparts, who have faced imprisonment for demanding similar conditions. It is crucial for the Gambian government to encourage these professionals to return by offering more competitive terms of service, which is a primary reason for their residence abroad. The persistent brain drain, particularly in the education, health, and technology sectors, poses a significant concern for the country's human capital needs. To address this, policies must be formulated to curb the migration of skilled professionals from developing nations like The Gambia.
Fatoumatta: What are Dr. Naffie Ceesay, MD Phillipsburg, Dr. Abdoulie Njie, MD in Chicago, Dr. Binn. M. Jatta, MD, Illinois, Dr. George, MD, Fowlis, Urology, and numerous Gambian medical doctors doing in the United States and the United Kingdom? What are Dr. Ebrima Ceesay, a cybersecurity expert, and Dr. Jorgomai Ceesay, a licensed professional engineer in civil engineering with a focus on seismic performance and evaluation of bridges, doing in the United States when they are among the finest in computer technology? In fact, Dr. Jorgomai Ceesay, a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), is even featured in Who's Who in America.
A friend of mine, Dr. Alpha Jallow, who practices psychiatry in the US, recently shared his insights on the state of mental health in the Gambia. He highlighted the challenges in addressing rampant suicides, homicides, and substance abuse. Dr. Jallow mentioned that in the Gambia, a country of almost 2 million people, there are fewer than 10 certified psychiatrists, with the majority based in Banjul.
While Western countries like the US and Canada actively welcome immigrants with diverse skills, The Gambia is actively discouraging its professionals. The significant migration of Gambian medical professionals to the Western Hemisphere in search of better opportunities is quite concerning. This brain drain is detrimental to The Gambia.
Fatoumatta: President Donald Trump has stated that the US will not become a repository for unskilled individuals. He advocates for an immigration policy that seeks out the best. Other developed countries are following suit because they recognize the high cost of training professionals. Hence, they engage in substantial "professional poaching."
Dr. Leigh, a Gambian doctor working at a leading Children's research institute in the US, offered these comments on the government's treatment of its most skilled individuals:
"We cherish our nation and wish to contribute our expertise to benefit our people. Yet, it undermines the value of specialized skills when politicians with limited education earn $5,000 a month, while doctors receive less than $1,000, without improved incentives or working conditions. Worse still, foreign 'expatriates' performing tasks that Gambians like us are capable of, are esteemed more highly. This epitomizes mockery."
Dr. Leigh questions why the government undercompensates its professionals who have dedicated years to acquiring knowledge in lecture halls. The government has the means to pay our teachers, lecturers, engineers, doctors, and nurses fair wages.
Fatoumatta: A significant deterrent for Gambian professionals, both domestically and overseas, is witnessing individuals with questionable academic credentials occupy leadership roles in our wealthiest institutions, all in the name of democracy.
Undoubtedly, one can be an effective leader without advanced education, but certain tasks, such as crafting government policy, necessitate substantial knowledge.
The government must urgently campaign to repatriate our professionals. Those residing in Dubai, Ontario, New York, and London should be enticed to return and serve Gambians.
Domestically, efforts must be made to harness the intellect of great minds like economist Dr. Karamo Sonko, a diaspora product. Gambians ought to leverage Dr. Sonko's acumen, especially now as the nation grapples with an economic slump caused by excessive borrowing, corruption, and bloated tendering processes.
While many African nations have established mechanisms to bolster the voting rights of their overseas citizens, Gambia remains in a state of uncertainty, despite the right to vote being enshrined in the 1997 constitution.
It's a question worth pondering whether we've become "a talking nation," characterized by less action, particularly from the government and our electoral body. The Diaspora feel exploited as fundraising tools by politicians, who entertain them in grand town halls, accommodate them in luxurious hotels at no expense, and lavish them with numerous gifts. Yet, when these politicians return to the Gambia, the plethora of promises made to the diaspora remain unfulfilled.
Fatoumatta: In this age of devolution, the Diaspora has experienced it all, including hosting numerous politicians who encourage them to invest back in their home constituencies. It becomes a source of shame and indignity when these same politicians fail to recall your name or acknowledge your presence upon visiting their offices in Gambia.
