VOICES FROM THE DIASPORA:
Remittance Stories
With all the statistics and data chronicling remittances between the United States and Liberia, it is very important to remember that at the end of the day, humans are involved. Despite and in support of theories that exist regarding remittances, people make human level decisions to send remittances based on relationships they have with people in the country. Here are some Voices from the Diaspora:
FAITH
1st Generation Liberian, 29, Philadelphia, PA
On the contributions of remittances towards development:
“ I think we can really build the country and develop it. But it has to be outsiders. It can’t be people born in Liberia it has to be people living internationally. Because it’s a cycle in Liberia. It’s hard to remove yourself from that situation. If you’re outside, it is easier to look at the situation and say, ‘this is what you need to do'. If you’re in the situation you can’t change the situation as easily."
On the potential negative effects of remittance culture:
“It hurts people internationally. It hurts us because we are seeking for change and development and when you are consistently sending money over [to Liberia] and you see no improvement, you kind of get discouraged. It hurts them more than us though, because they live in the mess and we live abroad.”
AUGUSTA
1st Generation Liberian, 27, Philadelphia, PA
On the contributions of remittances towards development:
“ I think we can really build the country and develop it. But it has to be outsiders. It can’t be people born in Liberia it has to be people living internationally. Because it’s a cycle in Liberia. It’s hard to remove yourself from that situation. If you’re outside, it is easier to look at the situation and say, ‘this is what you need to do'. If you’re in the situation you can’t change the situation as easily."
On the potential negative effects of remittance culture:
“It hurts people internationally. It hurts us because we are seeking for change and development and when you are consistently sending money over [to Liberia] and you see no improvement, you kind of get discouraged. It hurts them more than us though, because they live in the mess and we live abroad.”
BEATRICE
Liberian, migrated to the U.S. with six children
On the responsibility to send remittances:
"The burden is on me. I’m here with six kids. I call myself a super-mom. It’s with the help of God and friends and family. On top of that I have to make sure the people back home are taken care of. I send remittances for healthcare, education for nieces and nephews. It’s tough when you come from an African family, at least 16 siblings. You are looked at as the breadwinner and the extras that I have have to go back home for my mom and siblings. I feel a strong bond for my family, we were raised to love each other. It’s so difficult for me to turn my back on them. Even if it means I deprive myself I rather do that than watch my family go without.”
Government's Role in Coordinating Development with Remittances:
“The government can play a better role by educating more people. We have good infrastructure, but we don’t have well educated people to man it. We have good hospital buildings, but no good nurses and physicians. The government should put more into education, health, food security. If donors want to go in, I would say they should go in with manpower because we have some facilities but not the manpower.”
BILL
31 years old, born in Liberia, migrated to USA at age 4
On his real estate investments in the country:
“ I’m in the process of building stores and apartment complex on top of store and event hall. I am doing this for two reasons:
There's a good market as long as there no war or instability, emerging economy for growth is good to invest in.
Sense of duty. If we are in the States and we don’t look back, then who will? Liberia has a dependence on other people coming and developing, but I feel like us in the diaspora with disposable income can contribute. Also, Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world, so I am helping stimulate the economy and providing jobs [with my investments].
On whether or not remittances hurt or help the country's overall development:
"I think remittances, in a way help the country, they provide a level of stability. People who have families, when their families sends money to Liberia, it lessens the burden. If the family members take advantage of education to start a business. Liberians do send money to start businesses. There could be a better coordination with the government and people in the diaspora.
A lot of Liberians want to invest, but there is a lack of accountability with courts, with the government. Handling business disputes is hard. There is no direct path on how to get things done, it’s hard. Holding people accountable is hard. The government would benefit if they were to coordinate, they would get a lot of the wealth generated in America transferred back."
ELI
Liberian moved to the US at young age, Approx. 30 years old, Philadelphia PA
Motivations for investing in Liberia through remittances:
"For me personally, I want to have some reason to visit Liberia. Maybe having a house, or having some business on the private side. It’s a matter of wanting something to go back to...We want to be apart of the developmental part of Liberia. Some people have travel experience and they want to see Liberia as an aspiration.”
Message Moving Forward:
“As young people we can’t give up. You still have to keep striving. If there is an organization that connects young people with the mindset, drive and passion…there’s so many young people that want to do something in their country, but they don’t have the resources. Resources are something we lack.”