According to a Forbes report in 2020, Guyana is said to have the largest diaspora population in comparison to the rest of the world (36.4%). My husband’s home country Moldova came in sixth on the list at roughly 28%.
I have always found statistics and percentages to be dehumanising even though I get their necessity when it comes to quantifying things and people. But, hardly when one sees migration numbers, one is able to visualise the cultural annexation that unconsciously takes place, the complexity as one navigates belonging or the constant work involved when it comes to replicating community spaces. Though life does indeed become a bit more manageable for some who have sought better opportunities elsewhere, it doesn’t always mean the grass is greener or people are happier.
