Gov’t to Discuss Diaspora Vote

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. A. J. Nicholson, says the matter of allowing overseas nationals to participate in the country’s electoral process will be discussed at length, in order for the best arrangement to be put in place.

Addressing the opening of the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, St. James, on Sunday (June 14), Minister Nicholson said the matter has been receiving attention and has been included in the draft national Diaspora policy.

The policy, aimed at enhancing Jamaica’s social and economic development, is ready to be taken to the Cabinet for deliberation.

“Certainly, the issue of political representation is one that will have to be thoroughly ventilated and resolved. Indeed, this complex issue is foreseen in the draft policy, an extract of which participants will have in their possession, and we welcome therefore your feedback and believe that all ideas should contend,” he said.

Minister Nicholson stated that the Government is committed to engaging the Diaspora on issues of national development.

“This conference is a testament, therefore, to the notion of a borderless Jamaica that embraces all our people wherever they happen to be and gives even greater resonance to our motto –‘Out of Many, One People,’” he noted.

Minister Nicholson said it is anticipated that the national Diaspora policy will have bipartisan support, and it will deepen engagement between Jamaica and its Diaspora.

The 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference runs from June 13 to 18 under the theme: ‘Jamaica and the Diaspora: Linkage for Growth and Prosperity’.

Matters relating to economics, diplomacy and security, as well as trade and investments, will be high on the discussion agenda.