Examining the motivation of the Bahamian brain drain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15362/ijbs.v31i1.615Keywords:
Bahamas - Emigration and immigration, Caribbean Area - Emigration and immigration, Brain drain, Emigration and immigrationAbstract
This study attempts to understand what motivates high-skilled Bahamian emigration. Since high-skilled emigration remains a commonly discussed topic in The Bahamas, across the Caribbean region, and globally, this study sought to investigate the primary drivers of this phenomenon. This study excavated themes related to the motivation of Bahamian emigration from historic and contemporary literature in addition to analyzing 20 interviews with diasporic Bahamians as well as 250 surveys completed by native Bahamians residing globally. The findings of this study indicate that Bahamian emigrants are motivated by the desire for educational, professional, and athletic development opportunities not available in The Bahamas, giving responses largely from the higher levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, including: to make family at home proud and to be all they can be. Participants also emphasized the importance of faith in their journey to migrate, highlighting their desire to evolve spiritually as an individual and follow God’s plan. Participants further shared that their motivation was ignited by the appeal of living in global communities where nepotism, political preferences, and people's perceptions do not limit one's social, financial or career trajectory.
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