The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is calling on Caribbean nations to take a unified and forward-thinking approach to high-skilled migration, emphasizing its dual role as both a challenge and a potential catalyst for sustainable development.
This appeal came from PIOJ Director-General Dr. Wayne Henry, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Easton Williams, Director of Social Policy, Planning, and Research, during the recent World Bank/PIOJ High-Skilled Migration in the Caribbean Forum, held at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston.
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Dr. Henry pointed out that the Caribbean continues to see some of the highest global rates of emigration among tertiary-educated professionals, particularly to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Citing data from a World Bank multi-country study, he revealed that between 60 and over 80 percent of highly educated individuals from the English-speaking Caribbean now reside in OECD member nations.
While acknowledging the significant talent loss, Dr. Henry stressed the need for Caribbean governments to adopt new, more effective policies that treat migration not as a setback, but as a tool for regional growth.
“Traditional strategies aimed at retaining skilled professionals have largely fallen short,” he said. “The real challenge now is how we design policy and programmes that make high-skilled migration work for the sustainable development of our nations.”
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Dr. Henry also raised concerns about the region’s rapidly shifting demographics. With fertility rates falling below replacement levels and an ageing population growing faster than any other region in the world, Caribbean nations face an urgent need to address shrinking labor pools and rising social support demands.
“Our working-age population is declining, while those aged 60 and over are the fastest-growing group,” he explained. “This dual pressure poses serious threats to our ability to maintain robust economic and social systems.”
The forum served as a key platform to explore the World Bank’s in-depth research on high-skilled migration in the Caribbean and allowed stakeholders to consider policy responses that could turn current trends into long-term benefits.
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Dr. Henry encouraged participants to view this moment as a potential turning point for the region.
“The policy choices and programmatic steps we take from here on could redefine our path and ensure our sustainable development,” he concluded.
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