For years, many Guyanese living at home have had the idea that migrating to places like the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom would catapult them into a position of ease, where all their struggles would disappear.
Part of the blame for this misconception could be attributed to the information communicated via television. For years, we watched TV shows that sold us the dream of those lands of opportunity where anything was possible. Even though we often saw the picture of the struggles of some who lived in those lands, attaining the good life was what remained prominent in our minds.
Part of the blame could also be placed on some Guyanese who would have migrated and then sold the idea to those at home that they had made it. They flaunt the dream, which would create longing and envy in those who were seeking an escape from what they considered the hard life in Guyana. Many would also bless their family and friends with material and monetary gifts. Some would send barrels and boxes on a regular basis and their relatives would even have a sense of tasting the dream and some would go as far as to boast about their “prags.” Even though they would not have bought any of the items in the barrel or box, it would give some people a sense of higher social status.
Many Guyanese migrants would never reveal the hardships they go through. They would not go into details about working multiple jobs to make ends meet. They would never tell those who would come looking for a “small piece” how long they saved for the trip home and how long it would take to pay off the debt the trip would have created. They would not tell how many of the things they would send back to their relatives were bought at the cheapest stores.
Of course, the experience of all Guyanese living abroad is not the same. Not all would send things back to relatives. Not all would struggle. There are those who would leave these shores and shortly thereafter land their dream job that would afford them a life of comfort. For example, there are the skilled workers, like those who work in construction and who might not necessarily need a degree to make their dreams possible.
But the migrant’s story of hardship is the story of many Guyanese. In a recent conversation with someone who has lived in the United States for years, the advice that was given to me was to encourage Guyanese to not migrate. According to this individual, it took years to finally get to a place where they were earning decent wages and felt settled. Education being the key was the point that was emphasised. To make the money one has to study, but even with Masters Degrees and Doctorates some people would still find it difficult to find suitable work.
It made me think about all the people who migrate with no idea of what to expect; those people who might not necessarily have a degree; those people who would be shocked into the reality that the lands of opportunity do not mean an easy way to creating the life you want.
There are cases where Guyanese would leave decent paying jobs to migrate and settle for jobs that do not fit their qualifications. And even though in most cases when the currency conversion is done they would be making more money than they did at home, the demands of rent and paying bills would leave them in a constant struggle for survival.
So, it begs the question: Why are Guyanese still migrating in droves? And it draws one to the conclusion that they either do not know about the possible hardships that await them, they believe things are much harder at home, or they are prepared to do the work.
I believe it’s a combination of reasons. Indeed, many are looking to create a better life for themselves no matter how hard it might be. Some are looking for opportunities to study. Some are just sold by the shiny dream of the lands of opportunity. Whatever the reasons, those who are planning to migrate need to be aware of what awaits them when they may not be in the position to land the dream job immediately. The opportunity to study is always an option and opens windows of possibilities.
But the story of those who struggle and make sacrifices to send remittances because of love for their families and their desire for them to have a taste of a better life must be known. Guyanese at home must know that their families are not walking bank accounts and sometimes the pressure they put on them to send remittances is unreasonable. They must realise that not everyone lives in a big house or drives a fancy car in the lands of opportunity. They must get the picture of what a one-bedroom apartment is and how whether rain, sun or snow one must make their way to work or lose their job. They must recognise that many Guyanese in the diaspora are one paycheck away from homelessness and it is the fight in them that keeps them motivated to keep aiming for their dreams.
For some people planning to migrate, remaining in Guyana might be the best option for them. Guyana in its present state has a number of opportunities in waiting. With the discovery of oil, the plans to improve the University of Guyana and the will of a large section of the people to hold the government accountable, we might very well be on the verge of tapping into our own potential to be a land of opportunity. Still, some will ask: When? Some will say that they cannot sit and wait. And no matter what the situation is or will be one day in Guyana, the call of the migration will be answered by many. The lesson they should learn from those who have left is that no matter where in the world you are, you must be prepared to work hard to create the life you want. Some people would find it easier building their dream careers, but most will have to fight for what they want.
