What Happens to Jamaica When Leaving Gets Harder—but Staying Still Doesn’t Work?

For generations, Jamaica has lived with a paradox that most countries never fully resolve. We are small, but globally present. We are short on skills at home, yet rich in talent abroad. We lose people—yet gain remittances, influence, and reputation.

This paradox has long been called “brain drain.” But in truth, Jamaica’s story is not simply about loss. I…