Jamaicans in North-East United States to Meet for Diaspora Conference

The two-day Jamaica Diaspora North-East United States Regional Conference is now under way  at the Hilton New York JFK Airport hotel in Queens.

The event is expected to bring together Jamaicans residing in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Rhode Island, Philadelphia, Delaware, Baltimore, Washington DC and Virginia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, will declare the conference open, while Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, will address the delegates.

Director of Diaspora and Consular Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ambassador Sharon Saunders, and Assistant Director of Diaspora and Consular Affairs, Lincoln Downer, will also participate.

Over the two days, the participants will discuss topics relating to Diaspora voting, trade and investment, public safety, immigration and deportation, the role of youth, health care and education.

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Building a United Diaspora for Growth and Prosperity in Jamaica’.

The event culminates with the inaugural Talawah Awards Gala, which will recognise outstanding Jamaican nationals.

Heading the list of honourees is Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who will receive the award for politics.

Other awardees are Rev. Dr. Jacqueline McCullough, who will receive the faith-based award; Rev. Calvin McIntire, the Lifetime Achievement award; Devon Harris, the Sports award; Michael Seton and Raxann Chin, the Future Leaders award; and Eddie Robinson will receive the award for Art.