Commissioner De Industries, Unemployment and Brain Drain-17

The cumulative impact of Burier's policies resulted in industrial stagnation, unemployment and brain drain. The government warned him and threatened to take disciplinary action. The main charge was that very few industries came up and those which existed fell sick and died. Labor force increased but could not be absorbed. Unemployment and brain drain were on the increase. To escape from the criticism and to please the Minister, Burier wangled a foreign tour promising to bring substantial investment from abroad. He went to the Middle East and with the help of the local consulate organized and addressed a meeting of his country men.

He said:

"Dear Fellow Countrymen and Country women.
You may wonder why I have come all the way across the seas to meet you at this critical hour. In fact the government wants me to explore possibilities of bringing large investment in our state. I know there are over a million citizens of my country in this land. You are forgetting your responsibility. Just recall why and how you came and made big money. Is it not because our political leaders and labor acted tough and rough with you placing several obstacles before you at every stage forcing you to quit the country. True, they made it impossible for you to earn a living there. But for their determined effort to drive you out it would never have been possible for you to find safe, lucrative and luxurious berths in countries like this.

Is it not fair that you acknowledge your gratitude to them who are primarlly responsible for your landing here? Is it not a fact that you have earned considerable wealth here and acquired properties in your native land ensuring a high standard of living? Can you ever dream of such a high standard of living in your country? So in fairness to the people of your homeland and in the interest of natural justice I urge you to invest your savings for the development of your country. You must be thankful to our labor force for giving you such training, though it involved hardship and loss, so that you have become entrepreneurs in a foreign land.

You must consider their activities as intensive training to equip you for great tasks ahead. Why should you help to develop other countries when your own countrymen are unemployed? You must transfer all your hard earned funds and foreign exchange for investment in your home country. This will generate considerable employment and ensure all round prosperity. In that process you derive considerable satisfaction of having done something for your countrymen.

The restrictive trade practices which our labor imposed on you when you were at home are no longer valid. They will do anything for you except work.You know the old saying,' Work is worship'. Our labor follows this maxim in letter and spirit. They never touch a thing they worship. So they don't touch work. So you will have wonderful time of rest and relaxation. We get all support from the government for all constructivel but destructive activities. The workers will not resort to strike till your industrial ventures are commissioned. But once the unit is afloat the workers will demand permanency and they will be entitled to receive bonus which you should liberally give even if your business incurs loss.

I one again extent to you a hearty invitation and urge upon you to return, invest and strengthen the economy of our dear land of birth. I am sure you will act wisely and accordingly.

Thank you

"The speech made the audience spell bound . But no one was prepared to return and invest.
Burier returned empty handed but with hollow promises. He buried his head in his hands. But to his luck the government promoted him and allowed him to seek voluntary retirement with full retirement benefits. Burier welcomed this offer and accepted it and entered a retired life. (Concluded)