Brain Gain

This article, Liberia's elites leave American comforts for war-torn home in the Christian Science Monitor echoes what I have witnessed, both on the trip over, and since I've arrived.

There is a very noticeable number of highly trained and skilled professionals coming and staying in Liberia. Many that I met on the trip over are on 'exploratory' missions, but others have decided this is where they want to be. Take my hosts for example, Genesis, they have some massive brain power -- executives from wall street, Goldman Sachs, E&Y, etc. that have all come back and made this their home again. With their return they bring not only vast experience, but a means to help build the local capacity by training and educating those they work with.

These are very positive currents, but there is always this undercurrent that is present, especially in an area which lacks the institutional capability to fully police itself. The temptations and opportunities for unethical behavior abound, with both international and locals looking for opportunities to take advantage of the situation.

Kipp