“Transnationalism Personified: Young Returning Trinidadians ‘in Their Own Words’” – Potter, Conway, and St. Bernard

This article looks at the relationship that Trinidadian migrants who return to Trinidad have with the country itself, in relation to their life paths and their views on returning. The authors mention that the article serves to address neglected topics in studies of transnationalism, including the effect of transnationalism on sending countries. They achieve this by using narratives from relatively young and returning Trinidadian migrants (hence, ‘in their own words’). Their perspectives are analyzed in seven areas:

(1) Transnational family and life-course issues – Family factors can influence the decision to maintain transnational ties with the homeland. For example, family living overseas and overseas support in child-rearing all play a role in these decisions.

(2) Transnational community relationships – The idea of being a “global citizen” plays a role here. The ease of communication and relatively cheap air transportation allow for the maintenance of ties to the homeland.

(3) Keeping in touch with the homeland – Repetitive visits gave people the right mindset and prepared them for their return to Trinidad. Some migrants described it as “information collecting” to formulate their “master plan” or as creating “a little base” in Trinidad.

(4) The concept of mobility – Travelling back and forth leaves open the possibility of returning at some point in time. Trinidad was seen as home, and migrants expressed the desire to eventually return “home.”

(5) Transnational identity – Some migrants felt a sense of “duality.” That is, they felt strongly toward both their homelands as well as the country they lived in. Many expressed this in the form of dual citizenship; others did so in terms of the maintenance of social networks with family and friends.

(6) Transnational economic and commercial interests – Ownership of property abroad as well as entrepreneurial plans in the homeland influence the decision to return home as well.

(7) The concept of “strategic flexibility” – Many of the people in the study expressed that they were open to future migration opportunities. This may be in response to new opportunities or out of necessity. They expressed it as the freedom, or “liquidity,” to move around.

Unlike many of the other readings on transnationalism throughout the semester, this article seems to touch on the fact that those who emigrate and maintain ties to the homeland do have the option to return. It was often overlooked that there are migrants who go back for various reasons: whether for practical purposes or to just go back “home.” I will admit that this article provided a refreshing viewpoint. It confirmed that “transnationalism and return are by no means incompatible.” Even with the ties that are maintained, it may not be possible in the short-term to go back. However, going back can be seen by a number of migrants as a long-term goal.