Engagement with Diaspora Strengthened

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC) have strengthened the process of engagement and partnership between the Government and overseas nationals, says State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge.

From an eight-member group of Diaspora representatives primarily from the United States (US), United Kingdon (UK) and Canada, the combined 30-member Councils have a wider reach, with members from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East.

Included are highly skilled persons in areas such as agriculture, arts, sports and culture, citizen security, commerce, the environment, development issues, education, faith-based communities, and health and wellness, who lend their expertise in supporting national development initiatives.

“Never before has the Diaspora been this engaged to the extent that we have a Council, comprised of 30 members, including sector leaders from all across the globe and not just the three traditional Diaspora areas,” said Mr. Terrelonge, while addressing a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on Thursday (April 25).

He said that the input of the youth members is crucial, noting that they are making valid contributions in technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI), agriculture, and the creative industries.

Mr. Terrelonge said that the upcoming 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, slated for the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James from June 16-19, provides another avenue for engagement.

He informed that the topics for discussion and the theme: ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: fostering peace, productivity and youth empowerment,’ came out of consultation with the Diaspora members.

For his part, Chairman of the Conference, Courtney Campbell, said the organisers were “intentional” in dedicating more time and space to issues that are of interest to overseas nationals.

“We want to ensure that people from the Diaspora leave this conference with a sense that they too are benefiting in real ways from this engagement,” he said.