Puerto Rico is experiencing a massive exodus of professionals. What can be done to prevent this?

"Industry is not a collection of machines and tools and buildings. It is a social entity that has the responsibility of realizing the happiness of those who work in it." ( Luis A. Ferré, 1962, TIME Magazine). 

To begin with this discussion I have to start seeing that I have experience

working in the states (Florida). 

I stopped studying. But I never stopped learning from the different jobs. 

I have family in the states. My dad and our family live there. 

They are part of that “exodus” of professionals that reside in the states for more than 20 years. My stepmom

and dad, they are puertorican professionals working. Puerto Rico needs to have more

incentives.

Tax incentives can encourage professionals to stay and work in Puerto Rico.

This topic needs more research and development. To identify structures and differences is

very important because we need more professionals that like reading, writing, and teaching.

This phenomenon has always been present in our geopolitical history. First with Spain and

nowadays with the USA. To resolve that colony issue, it is relevant for development of new

“tactics” to prevent this. In addition, stronger partnerships between universities and local

industries can be used as a form of resisting all the secondary effects of being a colony. I

think that in that issue our nation agrees. 

Furthermore, we need to strengthen public

infrastructure, restore political trust, fund arts, education, and cultural projects. As a student

of education concentrated in English I also think that we need to strengthen Spanish &

English language in professional spaces. In conclusion, from my ignorance, professionals

don’t leave only for higher pay, they leave the Island for stability, dignity, and future

possibility of progress.

“Retention requires rebuilding Puerto Rico as a place where

educated people can thrive without sacrificing their identity, families, or well-being.”. 

ER