THE T&T DIASPORA
An estimated 350,000 T&T nationals immigrated out of their homeland in search of economics opportunities during the 80’s and 90’s. Today, it is estimated that around 650,000 Trinibagonians (which include children of those born overseas) reside outside the twin island nation. Unfortunately, there remain many immigrants till today in an undocumented status, some living here in the US for as much as 30 years. These are the people that have been separated from the history and excitement of their native lands, separated from their family and loved ones, and possibly will be deprived from the need for peaceful enjoyment of retirement in the soil they were born. Another 10 years will find many elders who may never re-bond with their place of birth.
Without immigration status, opportunities for those unfortunate are restricted. Many are confronted by a changed economic climate, where the cost of living have significantly increased, diminishing the ability for life-savings. And for those that have assimilated to their new lands as documented immigrants, there exists similar yearnings and difficulties. These difficulties stem from the inability to think outside of conventional and conservative thinking to create empowerment opportunities for immigrants. Further drawing divide, there are concerns that those who left the shores of T&T are looked upon by their fellow natives as defectors, and not patriotic. It becomes our purpose (as Concerned Citizens for a Better T&T) to dispel this notion, and educate all on what drove these many nationals to migrate, and what it is like to be living in a foreign country in fear and reprisal and deportation by the immigration system, or succumb to the realities of economic waves of change.
Living 30 years in a foreign lands are finding many at the verge of retirement. For those who wish to return, there may not be a smooth transition process for one to achieve this. Some undocumented residents maintain desire to return to their home land, but refrain from doing so due to lack of understanding of having the right transition support and social safety nets. Many came here innocently unaware they would wither in age and confront such real life dilemma.
Please come listen how we plan to work for the empowerment of T&T nationals living in US and North America (for those that wish to return and those that wish to stay). What we do in T&T could impact your future and security as citizens.
Let us also understand what is it you fear, whether it be lack of modern medical care/state of the art hospitals, lack of retirement income, smooth transition process to return to T&T, housing,, etc. Let’s meet and have an open discussion and dialogue about these issues. The information obtained will be used to guide design of programs and policies to only empower the T&T Diaspora.
Issues already being worked on to date in support of immigrants are the following:
1. Establishment of the Caribbean Development Social Investment Fund
2. Establishment of a Diaspora Development Community and Investment Bank
3. Establishment of a Diaspora Legal Fund
4. Job placement and preparation for T&T Diaspora returning back in T&T
An estimated 350,000 T&T nationals immigrated out of their homeland in search of economics opportunities during the 80’s and 90’s. Today, it is estimated that around 650,000 Trinibagonians (which include children of those born overseas) reside outside the twin island nation. Unfortunately, there remain many immigrants till today in an undocumented status, some living here in the US for as much as 30 years. These are the people that have been separated from the history and excitement of their native lands, separated from their family and loved ones, and possibly will be deprived from the need for peaceful enjoyment of retirement in the soil they were born. Another 10 years will find many elders who may never re-bond with their place of birth.
Without immigration status, opportunities for those unfortunate are restricted. Many are confronted by a changed economic climate, where the cost of living have significantly increased, diminishing the ability for life-savings. And for those that have assimilated to their new lands as documented immigrants, there exists similar yearnings and difficulties. These difficulties stem from the inability to think outside of conventional and conservative thinking to create empowerment opportunities for immigrants. Further drawing divide, there are concerns that those who left the shores of T&T are looked upon by their fellow natives as defectors, and not patriotic. It becomes our purpose (as Concerned Citizens for a Better T&T) to dispel this notion, and educate all on what drove these many nationals to migrate, and what it is like to be living in a foreign country in fear and reprisal and deportation by the immigration system, or succumb to the realities of economic waves of change.
Living 30 years in a foreign lands are finding many at the verge of retirement. For those who wish to return, there may not be a smooth transition process for one to achieve this. Some undocumented residents maintain desire to return to their home land, but refrain from doing so due to lack of understanding of having the right transition support and social safety nets. Many came here innocently unaware they would wither in age and confront such real life dilemma.
Please come listen how we plan to work for the empowerment of T&T nationals living in US and North America (for those that wish to return and those that wish to stay). What we do in T&T could impact your future and security as citizens.
Let us also understand what is it you fear, whether it be lack of modern medical care/state of the art hospitals, lack of retirement income, smooth transition process to return to T&T, housing,, etc. Let’s meet and have an open discussion and dialogue about these issues. The information obtained will be used to guide design of programs and policies to only empower the T&T Diaspora.
Issues already being worked on to date in support of immigrants are the following:
1. Establishment of the Caribbean Development Social Investment Fund
2. Establishment of a Diaspora Development Community and Investment Bank
3. Establishment of a Diaspora Legal Fund
4. Job placement and preparation for T&T Diaspora returning back in T&T
