I was never comfortable with the term ‘expat’. For many years, I associated this terminology with ‘ex-patriot’, which was certainly not the case for me. I guess the correct term would be that I’m an expatriate with no longing for expatriation, which means renouncing allegiance to your home country with no intention of returning. Confusing, isn’t it?
I prefer a much simpler definition of living and working abroad, which I have done for several decades. The question is, why? Adventure, better job opportunities, better quality of life, escaping family drama, running from the law? Personally, I was in it for the adventure, initially.
The Caribbean has been my home for most of my adult life, but the decision to leave your home country is not an easy one. Living or working abroad is for a lot of people just a temporary escape. They haven’t really thought it through. They believe the adventure of a new place abroad will resolve issues that geography cannot alter, even in the beautiful Caribbean.
Making a move to the Cayman Islands from somewhere else can be isolating and lonely. Making real friends with locals can be challenging because most locals know the routine – there is an emotional distance, because the vast majority of expats will leave at some point. I remember reading the term ‘driftwood’ years ago to describe work-permit holders. It was meant as a condescending remark, but I saw some truth to it. Some of us are adrift, searching for contentment on a new shore. However, I would imagine that every nation has benefited from people not born on their soil. The contributions made remain even when they are washed back out to sea.
As a non-citizen, I am also acutely aware of the expat/local issues that arise in the Caribbean, especially as it pertains to jobs and culture. I know that I am simply a guest here in the Cayman Islands. I can understand the need for good governance to ensure that Caymanians are the priority. I’m sure there are discussions amongst my Caymanian friends when I’m not present about the challenges facing Cayman. I get it. This is a complex issue for the people of the Cayman Islands to decide, but one that should include many voices.
There are roughly 300 million people around the world who are living and working overseas. The decision for most is a difficult one that entails years of missing family members, isolation, loneliness and sacrifice. It can also be a wonderful journey of job fulfilment, new friends, cultural enrichment and financial rewards. The cost-benefit analysis of living abroad is not easily conducted, although it’s much easier to make ledger entries from a lounge chair on the beach.
Bob Nickoles
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