My attention is drawn to an article published January 8, 2008 in the Daily Observe news magazine entitled “A social issue in Liberia no one wants to confront”. The article warns about potential social problem brewing as the result of returning Liberians from the Diaspora given employment in public and private sectors to the resentment of the local public. According to the article, the public resentment stems from the perception of the non-recognition of local workforce over the Diaspora returnees, I believe giving a sense of inequality, condescension or distrust in local workforce abilities. Of course, the exuberant lifestyle of these returnees otherwise seen as escapees of the 14 year war intensifies this issue. But, the question is, what can and should be done?

Over the 14 year conflict, an estimated half million people fled the country including professionals and non-professionals. Center for Global Development published some astonishing economic indicators in November 2007 including Liberia’s real GDP, which imploded 66% between 1987 ($1,167) – 2005 ($402), one of the sharpest economic collapses in the world. GDP defines the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. This low percentage implies there is much to do in terms of productivity in all sectors of the economy to ensure that our society is again revitalized and stable.

The fact remains that Ellen’s administration has a daunting task of assembling the right fits for rebuilding Liberia from the ashes of war. All the developed world's efforts to increase aid to Liberia may not matter if the local personnel required to implement development programs are absent or tend to undermine effort to attain development goals. To be successful, her government must implement policies aimed at both political stability and inclusive economic recovery that is mutually reinforcing. This might mean reversing the brain drain effect being experience, while acknowledging local efforts to improve human development capacity.

Study shows that brain drain produces positive results in most cases. Those who escape wars or unstable conditions often return home with greater skills. Secondly, it allows brain gain in the sending country. When brain gain is greater than brain drain, the net impact on society and economic growth is positive. Unfortunately due to the crisis in Liberia, there is little to achieve when literacy rate is under 20% at the moment.

Aggressive scouting and providing attractive incentive plans are major initiatives and key components that can and should be pursued in revamping our economic development programs. It is absolutely essential we reach out to all segments of the workforce to achieve this goal.

Understandably, the high level of unemployment in the country is masking the value of this inflow but over time we will all give a huge sigh of relief that the love of liberty brought us here (in Liberia).

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D. Alphonso Bahn
dbahn01@yahoo.com

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