Diaspora Urged to Increase Investment in Jamaica

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, has reiterated his call for increased investment in the country from Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

“International investment is already taking place in Jamaica … as the Chinese are here, the Belgians are here, the Spanish, among many others are here…but we want Jamaicans to invest in Jamaica,” the State Minister said.

He was addressing a special Western Region Stakeholder Briefing on the upcoming 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held on May 7, at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.

He said the Government is interested in attracting more Diaspora direct investment “because it is our view that Jamaicans in the Diaspora … will allow their monies to percolate in the economy and will be interested in the overall development of Jamaica and not just profit-making”.

“The Diaspora are fiercely committed to Jamaica … and nurse the desire to return here,” he pointed out.

The State Minister said the Government recognises the importance of partnership between Jamaica and its Diaspora in the process of nation building.

He noted that the upcoming conference will be an integral part of efforts to encourage and facilitate the Diaspora’s contribution to the growth and development agenda, and will provide an opportunity to take the Jamaica-Diaspora engagement to yet another level.

“We have our challenges but this is enormous potential and opportunity for the astute businessman or woman, who can see that we are on a trajectory for growth and prosperity,” the State Minister asserted.

The sixth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference is set for June 13 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.