As several public sector workers continue to leave the country in search of better employment opportunities, one economist, Wendel Ivey is predicting that the country will have major human capital problems in a few years.

As the nation prepares for the new school year which commences next month, many principals are reporting an influx of resignations by teachers.

Already, educational institutions are struggling to find replacements, with some deciding to seek assistance through the Cuban and Japanese embassies.

There have also been concerns about nurses leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

Speaking with IRIE FM news, Mr. Ivey noted that Jamaica is ranked second in the world for human flight and brain drain.

The economist explained that the situation, which is already dire, will eventually get worse.

According to Global Economy.com, Jamaica has a score of 9.1, just behind Samoa with 10.

Countries on the index are ranked based on data gathered between 2007 and 2022, with 0 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest.

The higher the index, the greater the human displacement.

The human flight and brain drain indicator considers the economic impact of human displacement (for economic or political reasons) and the consequences this may have on a country’s development.