Diaspora Told to Mentor Involuntary Returnees, Not Only Send Remittances

Jamaicans living abroad have been called on to take a wider role in helping involuntary returned migrants (IRMs) resettle at home, moving past the usual emphasis on cash transfers alone.

Natasha Gabbidon-Blake, General Manager of the Open Arms Development Centre, made the appeal during a session at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference under the theme “Reintegration of Involuntary Returned Migrants.” She said remittances still count, but returnees also need coaching, direction, and practical help to rebuild stable lives in Jamaica.

“We have to rethink the role of the diaspora. Often, when we hear diaspora, we think about sending money. Don’t get me wrong, we do need the money; that’s not what I’m saying. But we need persons to walk along with individuals who we want to be integrated into society,” Mrs. Gabbidon-Blake said.

She pointed out that many IRMs return facing deep uncertainty because they did not prepare for life back in Jamaica. They need assurance that people care about their future, will help them become employable again, and can link them with employers ready to give them work.

“While someone has been returned to a country, their country, yes, but they did not plan for it. They want to know that there are persons out there who care, persons who will give them that second chance to help them become employable again and willing to open their doors and employ them,” she said.

Mrs. Gabbidon-Blake said the diaspora could pitch in through volunteer work, mentorship, entrepreneurship programmes, and housing projects. Her organisation is ready to offer grants to help entrepreneurs launch businesses and to support a halfway house for at least two years so residents can prepare for independent living.

“We are willing to put up grants to help entrepreneurs start their own business. We are looking at helping to build a halfway house. We will fund that for you for at least two years so that you can prepare better to be on your own,” she said.

She added that IRMs gain much from having a dependable support network throughout reintegration.

“Diaspora is not just over on the other side. They are here with us (IRMs), holding us, guiding us through. Yes, we have fallen once, but they have seen it fit to give us a second chance,” Mrs. Gabbidon-Blake said.

The Open Arms Development Centre, based in Kingston, supports homeless adults through services such as temporary shelter, job training, and employment placement assistance as they work to overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives.