When it comes to self-improvement for competition or just actualisation in general, there are a number of ways people go about it.

Some bodies focus on accepting their strengths and working on improving their weaknesses so they may become more rounded, whereas, others play to their strengths by emphasising and/or improving them. There is merit to both strategies as both roads can lead to success. However, the latter is the focus of this piece as I believe playing to our strengths is what best suits our nation.

We have applied this strategy to boost our most profitable industries such as tourism and bauxite. Now, I am suggesting that we apply the same to our certified human capital. I got an opportunity to review a 2011 case study by Patsy Lewis titled “Training Nurses for Export: A Viable Development Strategy?” and I was thoroughly impressed. First, I was impressed at how well structured it was and second by how viable this strategy is today in Jamaica’s socio-economic climate.

Our teachers and nurses are in high demand overseas and this I believe is attributed to our capacity to prepare them for their respective fields. There are a number of private institutions that have capitalised on the demand by creating programmes to help get our trained human capital overseas. However, this is just another case of others realising our value before we do and utilising it for profit. I have no quarrel with such organisations, but I have heard testimonies of those who have been “taxed” heavily for such opportunities.

What I am suggesting is that we acknowledge the value of our own and set subsidised systems in place to make it easier for the mentioned professionals to source and settle into gainful employment overseas. Of course, for a government to onboard such plans, the relationship would need to be mutualistic. Well, that would definitely be the relationship provided we are able to successfully implement this system. Our country would benefit greatly through the remittances that would be injected into our economy. The skilled “export workers” would benefit from the financial and other benefits that accompany their appointed posts overseas. Additionally, the overseas job market would become even more accessible which would further smoothen the transition.

Some doubt is to be expected and that doubt I presume is propagated by the fear of the brain drain. This is a fair fear to have as no patriot wants to see our most skilled and qualified professionals leaving our country to empower others. However, a brain drain would not be a point of concern, considering the rate at which we produce nurses and teachers. Please be reminded that these are professions with a high longevity and low depreciation rates. Teachers and nurses often occupy posts for decades meanwhile thousands of each practice graduate every year. We are simply not able to create job opportunities at a rate that can satisfy this demand.

I am not saying we ought to ignore or inject less effort into preparing our citizens for other professions as I am not arguing and contrasting importance. I am aware that there is relevance in every facet of our society and every part comes together to define who we are as a nation. My argument is simply supply and demand; there is no other profession for which Jamaican professionals are requested more than nurses and teachers. Therefore, it only makes sense that we use our advantage and play to our strengths.

The novel coronavirus pandemic brought turmoil, discomfort, death and a host of other negatives but we have also gained from it. I have particularly gained an even deeper appreciation for our teachers, because, quite frankly, our education system was not prepared for the pandemic. Nevertheless, our teachers dug their heels in and fought to prepare our successors for a better future. What they lacked in resources they compensated with creativity and a willingness to reach our children.

The value of our nurses and the absolute heroes they have been throughout the pandemic cannot be overstated. Not even with a thousand words could I express my gratitude to our nurses. It is not just me, by now the entire country will have grown to appreciate our nurses and teachers.

The economic value we stand to gain is there for those who require it as an incentive. Then there is us being indebted to these professionals for the pillars of fortitude they have been. Whatever reason you choose is reason enough to support my motion for subsidised systems to help get our heroes gainful employment overseas.

Hugh Graham is Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Western, and CEO of Paramount Trading Company Ltd.