Govt shifts Diaspora focus from remittances to skills & investment – Rasul

Guyana is moving to redefine the role of the Guyanese Diaspora, shifting from a traditional reliance on remittances toward greater emphasis on skills transfer, investment and technology-driven engagements. This position was underscored during the launch of the University of Guyana’s (UG) 3rd Diaspora Conference, under the theme “Diaspora Matters: Belonging, Technology and the Diaspora in the 21st Century” where Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Rosalinda Rasul, said the country is deliberately changing how it engages Guyanese living abroad.

“The unit has actually, over the years in our work, has removed ourselves from anything to do with remittances or what the diaspora has been known for. We avoid any of the sort of the stereotypical perspective of diaspora and we started to look more intently as to more creative, innovative ways which our people can align their interests to Guyana development,” she said Rasul explained that the Unit has identified two key priority areas going forward which are expected to play a leading role in national development. These being skills transfer and diaspora investments. “Two critical elements. areas that we’re looking at would be skills transfer and diasporic investments, because we believe where the country is going, these are going to be the leading areas for diaspora engagement,” she noted. Central in the shift is the use of technology to connect Guyanese globally to facilitate participation in national development. Rasul said digital platforms have already made it easier for diaspora members to engage with policymakers and contribute ideas directly regardless of location. “it’s through that forum we’re able to bring our people from across the globe on one platform that allows them to interact with policymakers and also for them to express their opinions, their perspectives and share ideas with each other and connect,” she said. As part of the digital push, the Diaspora Unit is upgrading its artificial intelligence (AI) tool “Jessie” which was first launched in 2024. The AI system is being enhanced to communicate in multiple languages; inclusive of Guyanese creole; and eventually interact with other platforms to resolve issues faced by members of the diaspora without direct human interventions. Beyond policy, Rasul pointed to practical examples of diaspora contributions already taking shape. She highlighted the case of a Guyanese-Canadian entrepreneur who identified gaps in the local financial system and worked with Demerara bank limited (DBL) to introduce a digital payment solution, expanding access to card transactions for small businesses. “This is a Guyanese from the diaspora, saw a problem, particularly in the area of technology, and was able to bring her skills and her background and do something like that. This is what, when you talk about the conference and your engagement and you look at the theme, we’re hoping that in exploring the theme, you also look at how you can bring your skills,” she said. Meanwhile, Deputy Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean at the international Organisation for Migration (IOM) Eraina Yaw, stressed that diaspora engagement must be seen as essential to development. “Diaspora engagement is not a nice-to-have add-on. It is a development and resilient imperative and at the heart of diaspora engagement is a simple but powerful idea, belonging. Belonging is not only a feeling, though it certainly includes identity, culture and memory. It also is a set of conditions that we shape, whether it’s access to opportunities, recognition of skills, inclusion in decision-making and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the places we call home,” Yaw said. She added that technology is transforming how diaspora communities connect and contribute, but cautioned that issues such as digital access, literacy and data protection must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation. As Guyana continues to experience rapid economic and social transformation, officials say the evolving approach to diaspora engagement is aimed at ensuring that Guyanese abroad are not just contributors from afar, but active partners in shaping the country’s future.