EDITORIAL - Losing young champs to Canada?

The announcement that the Canadian High Commission has become one of the sponsors for the 2014 athletic championships of the island's high schools is an interesting development for this annual event that has grown tremendously in stature and excitement.

First, this represents out-of-the-box thinking, and for that, we extend kudos to the executives of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) and GraceKennedy and those who conceived the idea and who have brought the process along to fruition.

According to reports, Canada will be presenting a trophy to the most improved school and use the opportunity to highlight tertiary educational opportunities in that country during the March 25-29 staging of the event at the National Stadium.

Indeed, we recall that several Jamaican athletes have worn the Canadian colours, particularly in track and field and boxing, and have brought glory to their adoptive homeland.

As a country that has suffered immensely from brain drain at the hands of our wealthy neighbours to the north, it is not difficult to hear some people asking the question: Could Jamaica's future athletic programme be threatened by increased educational opportunities in Canada?

While not attempting to create a negative buzz around the initiative, we submit that that is a valid question. For even though the idea may be to offer academic scholarships to promising young athletes, the fact is that, if they are sufficiently induced, they may fancy the idea of being adopted by Canada and turn their backs on Jamaica. There are plenty examples of skilled students who are encouraged to remain in the First World on graduation. Their student visas are readily converted to permanent resident status.

Human capital is wealth

Since only a country's human capital can be converted to real wealth, it is important to consider the implications for Jamaica. So even though healthy remittances flow into Jamaica and other countries from their citizens in the diaspora, the flip side is what is called human capital flight.

Brain drain partly explains why wealthy politicians often exercise their 'best' option by jetting off to North America for medical treatment. Every major North American health institution is likely to have Jamaican graduates on staff, and this is an example of the extent to which this country has exported its graduating manpower.

This is not good for the country's development. For a vibrant middle class to develop, talented Jamaicans have to be encouraged and rewarded to work and live here.

We note also that these championships were once the natural stepping stone for student athletes to gain places to American colleges and institutions. But the cycle of migration of Jamaican athletes has slowed considerably over the last few years with the emergence of local athletic clubs and exceptional coaching talent that has been developing athletes from Jamaica and elsewhere.

So as we applaud the Canadian High Commission and the very many sponsors of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championship, let us understand the importance of managing our associations skilfully and being mindful of the long-term repercussions of the decisions that are made today.

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