Having lived in various countries, I have frequently observed the extent to which nations go to protect their own citizens. “Bermuda for Bermudians” was a common clarion call while I resided there. Foreigners, such as myself, were seen as expatriates who were brought in specifically to fill vacancies which no local had the requisite skill or training to fill.

However, expatriate contracts were limited in duration, because it was understood that once a Bermudian emerged who had the necessary skills and experience to perform the task, the expatriate’s contract would not be renewed. Promotions too were heavily biased towards those of Bermudian nationality. I also observed the same pattern of behaviour while residing in the USA, Canada and the Bahamas. Like Bermuda, these nations are inherently and strongly biased towards their own citizens. And rightly so. Foreigners are generally seen as workers or temporary residents, living or working there, but not really belonging. This stigma is only removed if or when they apply for and receive citizenship.

However, expatriate contracts were limited in duration, because it was understood that once a Bermudian emerged who had the necessary skills and experience to perform the task, the expatriate’s contract would not be renewed. Promotions too were heavily biased towards those of Bermudian nationality. I also observed the same pattern of behaviour while residing in the USA, Canada and the Bahamas. Like Bermuda, these nations are inherently and strongly biased towards their own citizens. And rightly so. Foreigners are generally seen as workers or temporary residents, living or working there, but not really belonging. This stigma is only removed if or when they apply for and receive citizenship.

Countries which do so are not being parochial or discriminatory. Instead they have made the calculated and intelligent decision to invest in their own people, to protect their jobs and livelihoods, and to ensure that their citizenry will continue to ascend the corporate, professional, economic, and social ladders. In so doing, the well-being of the entire nation is advanced.

Instead of being criticised, such nations should be commended for pursuing such forward-thinking policies. I have often wondered why Jamaican citizens, state and corporate entities do not adopt a similar stance. Instead, we openly engage in the shameless patronage of the foreigner, treating them as demigods who command our respect and adoration for no reason other than the fact that they are from different lands. Experience has taught me that ironically, many are not perceived as being particularly special in their own countries of origin. Many, in fact, are poorer, less exposed, less educated, and far less accomplished and sophisticated than the typical Jamaican. Of course, we do not know this, because we are too dazzled by their accents to see it. And yet we cannot blame such individuals for exploiting our inferiority complex. Why shouldn’t they? They are simply acting in their own best interest, as would anyone else in a similar position. And so they accept the elevated jobs we offer and embrace the lavish salaries and lifestyle. They live like royalty, enjoying the best of Jamaica, gracing the social pages of our newspapers and hobnobbing with the who’s who of the Jamaican social scene at cocktail parties and on yachts across the island. They need not become emotionally invested here, because Jamaica is not their home. Should things start falling apart, they have no obligation to stay the course. They can simply board the next available flight to the next destination or back to their country of origin, leaving us behind to turn out the lights.

Sadly, it is not their fault that we have arrived at this state. It is ours. Critics may accuse me of bashing expatriates. To the contrary, I appreciate the role they have played in developing our nation. I believe strongly that we should always love, respect and commend foreigners who choose to live or work in Jamaica. We should always make them feel welcome and greet them with our famous hospitality. However, we should love and respect our fellow Jamaicans. We need to protect the interests and welfare of our own people above and beyond everyone else’s. We owe it to our people to ensure that Jamaica remains for Jamaicans first. I suggest that job vacancies in Jamaica should be advertised and offered to Jamaicans first. Positions which cannot thus be filled should be contracted out to foreigners for a fixed period (2-5 years) with the stipulation that he or she train a Jamaican to perform the same task. Once a Jamaican is able to perform the task, and the expatriate’s contract period expires, the Jamaican should be promoted to fill the vacancy and the expatriate’s contract should not be renewed. Foreigners with rare or exceptional skills which are of great value to us should be offered Jamaican citizenship, thus ensuring that they become emotionally invested and rooted here and that their skills redound to the greater good of the Jamaican people and nation.