by Trisha Mitchell-Darius
We are facing a global pandemic of epic and unprecedented proportions.
The Grenadian diaspora is one of the many groups hurting, but here’s why every Grenadian should be worried. According to world bank statistics, from 1986-2017, the Grenadian diaspora contributed an average of US$25.04 million (~EC$67 million) to Grenada’s economy with US$48 million recorded after the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Statistics also show that these remittances steadily increased from then onwards (see figure below).
These figures, however, are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true value of the diaspora contributions, as these figures only capture funds remitted (sent) through official channels like Moneygram, Western Union and financial institutions. It does not consider
- monies that would have been sent undeclared in envelopes in the mail
- via travelling friends and family members
- the value of barrels sent throughout the year
- the value of charitable contributions and donations (equipment, etc) from the numerous diaspora organisations scattered across the globe
- foreign exchange currency spent by returning nationals in the rural community throughout the year but especially at Christmas, Easter, Spicemas and around other emerging festivals like the Grenada Music Festival.
These remittances play a vital role in improving the living conditions of many on island. One only needs to take a look at the cries for a ‘Moneygram day’ amid the lockdown and the resulting persistently long lines at money remittance agencies including Western Union, for proof. The truth is, many Grenadians depend on these remittances for their basic needs, to send kids to school, to care for the elderly, to start small business and to access healthcare.
With major diaspora centres like New York, England and to a lesser extent Canada reporting increasing deaths from the coronavirus and massive job losses (many of whom will not qualify for government stimulus funds because of their illegal status), Grenada’s economy stands to receive another blow from reduction in the volume and frequency of these remittances amid this crisis. Even if we were to return to ‘normal’ by August/September, the disposable income of many in the diaspora would have been severely impacted as they simply try to survive and keep a roof over their heads during this crisis.
This reduced disposable income has implications as well for the tourism industry; diaspora tourism i.e. people who travel on holidays to destinations where they have an ancestral connection or where they were born, locally known as ‘JCBs’ (just come back) in Grenada, has been rapidly increasing with the rise in popularity of cultural events like Spicemas, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Carnival and the Grenada Music Festival. Travel plans for 2020 will have been interrupted and likely will also be impacted for 2021 depending both on how long travel restrictions due to the virus continue to be in place and whether job loss is temporary or permanent in the ‘new normal post-Covid’.
Diaspora direct investments in the economy through savings in credit unions, banks and other investments like real estate will also likely show signs of slowing as the world officially dips into a global recession. Other areas like diasporas plan to return to the island to live would also be impacted. A slowing economy and concerns over the healthcare capacity of the island (which on a normal day is already a concern for the diaspora), to deal with any potential spike in infection rates will certainly have nationals rethinking any plans to return for the near future.
The capacity of diaspora organisations to fundraise for charitable projects in Grenada will also be severely impacted for the short and possibly medium term. Many have already had to cancel fundraising events and will likely need to do so for the rest of 2020 as host country governments implement social and physical distancing rules. With traditional event patrons themselves suffering hardships, diaspora organisations will have to make hard decisions about the type and cost of these events moving forward and may even decide to shift focus to their diaspora constituents rather than Grenada.
Organisers of large-scale diaspora cultural festivals like the Grenada day festivals in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, New York, London and other cities will also have to take a hard look at the viability of these festivals for 2020 given physical and social distancing rules now in place. Most mass gatherings have been prohibited at the government level in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. This also represents a loss for the diaspora of opportunities to engage and reconnect with each other and by extension strengthen ties with home/countries of origin.
In summary, the impact of these Covid-related difficulties being experienced by the diaspora is multifaceted and will make economic recovery for islands like Grenada doubly difficult, post-Covid. Normally, in response to disasters, countries of origin could count on the diaspora to provide collective remittances, goods and services to help with recovery and reconstruction (see figure above). This pandemic has turned this dynamic on its head, the diaspora too is severely impacted. What remains to be seen, is whether these impacts will be for the short or long term, either way, it’s best to be prepared as things will definitely get worse before they get better.
About the author:
Trisha Mitchell-Darius is a Diaspora engagement and development practitioner, with over 10 years hands-on experience in developing programming to encourage diasporas to stay connected with their countries of origin. She currently leads implementation of the ENGAGE AND EMPOWER THE DIASPORA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GRENADA project funded by the International Development Fund.
The above report shores up my argument for the diaspora to participate in national elections taking place in Grenada from anywhere in the diaspora
The above report shores up my argument for the diaspora to participate in national elections taking place 8n Grenada from anywhere in the diaspora
Please refer to the graphic included. 25 million USD is the average remittance per annum. 48 million in 2004 alone.
It is quite disheartening to see this, i totally agree if they are hard times due to the virus they may not be in a position to send any remittance , my heart goes out to all those who keep a heart to send even if they are not in a position to send.
The government should reduce salaries of many public servants excluding the medical staff and the armed forces, most of them are working from home and hence they do not have transportation costs, saloon costs etc, Leaders often speak of making sacrifices but sacrifice should be done by everyone and not just certain sectors .
This heartbreaking to read. I will be praying for Grenada ❤
Good article tainted by the referral of Grenadians as JCB (just come back) this derogatory term has no place in Grenada and should not be encouraged.
Quite ridiculous that that is all you took away from an insightful and articulate article.
Grenada carriacou and petit martinique and the caribbean is a land rich in resources it’s agricultural landscape should freed the Caribbean do not allow 5g Mobile masks to be built agriculture should be thought in all the schools of the Caribbean as a basic necessity. Electricity is very expensive in the Caribbean yet they are not offered top up cards to buy electricity some have lived without electricity for years when it is badly needed America because it and others have the power want to re open there economy to quickly if they do many more will die. Watch wionews and china uncensored to name a few pray is the key.
The situation is a very challenging one. Further, the changes it triggered will be a very noticeable one, a change with many negative impacts…lives will never be the same.
However, I do hope that the solutions and adjustments employed will bring some sort if relief to those most affected, in a timely manner.
All the riches belongs to God. He gives as He sees fit. Keep conversing with him in prayers. He will never let His people go hungry.
From 1986 to 2017 (21 years) remittances were 25m?
Excellent realistic and fact based analysis. While all so sad and depressing, I am reminded of my first visit in January 2005 and seeing devastation and the new hillside crop of ‘blue tarpaulins’ as far as one could see, yes this amazing resilient country and its many friends in the diaspora has met and overcome such tragedies and in time, will do so again.
But it does require us all to reflect, think and learn to respect everyone, not just nice words, but in meaningful job based renewals of the economy and spirit. DW