tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1855614361121267718.post301311392977145824..comments2023-10-29T08:46:42.524+00:00Comments on Questions in Development: The lighter side of LiberiaRupert Simonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14258866957214285023noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1855614361121267718.post-41931829278948120242007-09-01T16:27:00.000+01:002007-09-01T16:27:00.000+01:00Hey Rupert,Very interesting post. I would agree w...Hey Rupert,<BR/><BR/>Very interesting post. I would agree with most of what you wrote, but I take exception with the assertion that Liberians have not expressed a desire to migrate. I had an entirely different sense from the folks I spoke with. There were certainly many examples of people who were entirely committed to staying in Liberia and, even if they left for a time for education or jobs, wanted to return. (Case in point: Jonathan. He explained that he is hoping to go overseas to study but only so that he could return). But I can't tell you the number of people who expressed a very, very strong desire to move to the US. Many of my colleagues at the Ministry of Finance -- from young analysts to administrative assistants -- said that it was their DREAM to move to the US, and the dream of everyone else they know. In fact, in those moments, I instantly likened their desire to the Cubans who lust after Miami! Personally, I think there is a bit of a selection bias in those we spoke with: we interacted only with those that DID come home to Liberia, and not with the thousands of Liberians in America who just hit the jackpot when the US Congress extended their amnesty in the US by another year. <BR/><BR/>I don't think this sentiment detracts at all from the groundswell of optimism in Liberia's future, or in the impressive dedication of the overseas Liberians who have returned to Monrovia to support the country's rebuilding. People are rebuilding, investing, moving back to their communities, and inching the country forward. If some have a few extra stars and stripes in their eyes, at least this time it's not to escape war in their backyard.Molly Kinderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15131918629466695587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1855614361121267718.post-77974994246985012282007-08-22T00:01:00.000+01:002007-08-22T00:01:00.000+01:00thanks for all you have done to put my country bac...thanks for all you have done to put my country back on the path to success, how can we ever repay you guys.Emmanuelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07701201930483964782noreply@blogger.com