In September 1976, when I was 8 years old, my father said we were leaving Dominica for England. To be honest I had no idea what he was talking about. All I knew was one minute I was coming to terms with the end of mango season and trying to decide which halter neck top and bell-bottom combination to wear, and the next, my halter necks were replaced with thick woolly jumpers, I was getting off an aeroplane at Heathrow wondering what on earth just happened and wondering what language people in Ipswich would speak.
My journey back home probably began at that very moment and ended on September 8th 2005, nearly 30 years later.
We hear about migration all the time. It has completely changed, and will continue to change, the global social landscape. It has had huge and complex consequences for countries and individuals, sending ripples down generations.
The majority of Dominicans are likely to have been touched by migration in one way or another. Our own history as a people begins with forced and voluntary migration.
I have always been interested in the human element, the impact on individuals; those who leave, those who remain and those who return, the children and grandchildren down the generations. The impact on things like identity, culture, belonging, family units, the place you regard as home.
I recently read an article about reverse migration or return migration and how the economic situation has prompted some Latin American migrants in the US to return home. It will be interesting to see if this reversal becomes significant and if it causes any unforseen issues.
Nation's economic woes prompt reverse migration
Stories from returned Dominicans:
Home Again Book
11 years ago
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