The case of the Trinidadian doctor who was ordered to repay the Government millions as a result of breaching the terms of his scholarship, really got me thinking. Our situations are not exactly similar, and I have no idea of his reasons for staying abroad (though we can surely guess), but hear me out...
Before I pursued my master’s, I did extensive research before settling on the field of study. We always hear “do what you’re passionate about” but the truth remains that what you’re passionate about isn’t always something that can provide security.
I was fortunate enough (or so I thought) to discover that one of my passions—healthcare administration, policy, research and delivery—was identified by the Government as a national development human resource need of first priority, with a dearth of professionals. I thought, “Aha! I’ll go study, and come back home and work hard to make my little corner of the sector better.”
Yet, I find myself looking for job opportunities abroad.
As a scholarship awardee myself (the scholarship was not from Trinidad, mind you), I was required to return home to work, as I had intended anyway. A year and a half since completing my Master’s in Public Health, I am a consultant, which is just a fancy way of saying I work short-term contracts when they come.
It’s depressing to know that I worked hard to be a “scholar” deserving of the opportunity to advance my studies earlier than I would have on my own; spent time and money completing a degree that I thought would guarantee employment (especially in a sector that is sooooo lacking); promised (willingly and contractually) to return to give of my service to my country… only to be told repeatedly, “We have no vacancies,” or “Five-10 years managerial experience required.”
Let’s not even start on OJT. I entered the programme following my Bachelor’s, leaving to complete my MPH. I have since re-applied and am still waiting for a call, a year later.
So, I find myself looking for job opportunities abroad.
So tell me, Minister Garcia, what are you doing to ensure that your young professionals stay? The young man in question was wrong, and I agree he should be held accountable. But what about the hundreds (dare I say thousands) of us who are returning to Trinidad, only to be stay-at-home minds? You ask us to return, and get mad when we don’t… We are obligated to stay, but there are little opportunities for us when we do.
So we find ourselves looking for job opportunities abroad.
Kershelle Hilaire, MPH, FEDUP
Arima