Lets talk about my worthless Medical degree and the Caribbean in the face of migration tensions...
Its often said that education is the key to success and I have always taken this statement seriously and made it my duty to be the first among my dad 20+ children to obtain a tertiary education with several honors along the way. One would think with a 'STEM' degree, employment is guaranteed but I have found this is the BIGGEST lie. While I understand that the Caribbean isn't the ideal location, I have reach out to several colleagues outside who are still at home. Several have pursued post-gradual degree to boost their employment prospects. I also realize where you were born and what citizenship you hold is probably the most important factor in securing a job. Another part of the puzzle is experience, without experience behind your resume, its difficult to convince employers that you are indeed competent for the job. Teaching jobs are also difficult to pass by, with policy makers insisting on employers that those wishing to teach MUST have a Teaching diploma/ certification. Asking folks to go further in debt to obtain a diploma which doesn't really secure a job but gives you a fall back isn't the most convincing case. Nonetheless, I continue to volunteer here and there and get involve in various projects to have something to write on my resume.
My interest is primarily research, leaning towards Immunology. Its one of the areas I am focusing on specializing and looking at options to get that done. I have also realized I may need to look beyond the Caribbean and the United States. Thankfully, there is crypto to keep my mind busy and I am currently part of a project where I can put my skill-set at play. I have really given up on job prospects and open to moving where I can be engaged mentally. I am still financially a long way from pursuing a MD/PhD path with specialization in Immunology but hopefully one of my bags moon and that becomes possible. Nonetheless, this 1 year experience has really given me some perspective to think about, probably its more important to have a home and parcel of land somewhere I can call my own and financially secure myself rather than these degrees and post-graduate certification.
My advice to people reading this, learn several language, try to be fluent in Mandarin, Japanese, Dutch, etc and more importantly learn to code. One of the indirect benefits of a Trump Presidency is the attractiveness of China to young talent in the Caribbean. The benefits of this is the future leaders of the Caribbean would come directly from Chinese university and influence. It used to be United States of America and England train scholars influencing thinking in the region but I think that trend would change soon. The Netherlands also enjoy a fair deal of influencing but I am not to sure this region is a priority for them. I believe that Europe would move in the same direction with the United States with regard to migration and England has been closed since 2010, the Windrush scandal was the final blow for England. Lets see how this Brexit situation plays out, taking into account lots of these islands were former subjects and part of the United Kingdom, they would try to regain their grasp of the region but they are in for a big surprise, again Windrush scandal was their final blow, nobody would take them seriously.
I remain optimistic of the Caribbean that its still the best place to live but also realistic that there needs to be a huge job creation drive. The region has lots of potential especially the southern Caribbean which is Hydrocarbon and Geothermal rich. There is lots of good growth opportunities around, the Marijuana and medicinal marijuana industry can be a huge part of the revenue generating sectors outside of tourism but lots of investments is needed. I also see a huge potential for financial industry but Europe and the United States of America may never allow it as it would be virtually impossible for them to compete with the region given that taxes are a major part of their government stream. Sadly, the tag of Offshore Tax Havens and risk of derisking continues to hurt this budding and lucrative revenue stream. The region also has huge potential for Medical tourism but lots of investment is needed. Ironically, Cuba may actually be the answer to some of America Healthcare problems especially bringing down cost of basic treatment. Its impossible for the USA to compete with Cuba in that regard and I suspect it would hurt the revenue stream of lots of American companies. Put it this way, you have to pay 5000 USD for some treatment in the USA, when you can fly to Cuba and pay 50 USD and in some cases its practically free. The USA would never allow this, Cuba Healthcare structural capacity would out run the USA because its not built on monetary quota and models of generating profit.
STEM field training, in the end, produce only technicians. Technicians are necessary for functioning of a healthy economy, and for many technicians, such jobs are what they are born to perform. If you are disatisfied with functioning as mere technician to bureaucrats, then perhaps, you would benefit from evaluating your gifts and natural skills honestly. Man only has 80 year lifespan, and effort will only increase one's capabilities 2 points in 10 point scale of mastery. If someone is at 2, or 3 in capacity for a certain field, he ought not pursue that field as his primary occupation.
Learning basics of finance and financial manipulation will be as helpful as being proficient in another language. Unlike other fields, above average financial skills will help people live comfortable lives.
Caribbean life man. Not easy when you want to get something done, and esactly what you say. When you dont have too much a resume build as yet it is almost understandable that people pimp up their CV so much with fictive jobs to just get the balls rolling.
I do still think the region has huge potential but not so many people are willing to look behind the normal stuff that we already know.
And its true...a passport..that is key . unfair but so damn true :(