First US Jamaica Diaspora Conference Oct. 3 – 4

The first United States of America (USA) Jamaica Diaspora Conference will be held from October 3 to 4, at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the USA.
Some 150 delegates representing Jamaican organisations and community interests in the Northeast, Midwest and Southern regions of the United States will convene in plenary sessions and workshops to discuss a wide range of topics relating to ongoing efforts to facilitate the strengthening of relationships between Jamaica and its Diaspora.
“The inaugural USA regional conference is a critical organising step for our community,” said Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board member for the Southern USA, the host region of the event Marlon Hill.
“Throughout the Diaspora we must begin the process to foster a shared vision for governance, financial sustainability, and a consistent message to galvanise the talents and resources of Jamaicans, first, second and third generations,” he added.
A series of topics will provide a forum to discuss issues to effectively mobilise support for Jamaica’s economic development in areas of trade and investment, education, health and disaster preparedness.
Officials expected to participate in the two-day sessions include Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Anthony Johnson; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr. Ronald Robinson; Leader of Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller; Professor Rex Nettleford of the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation; Professor Neville Ying of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute; and Jamaica’s Consuls General to the Southern USA and Northeast USA, Mrs. Sandra Grant Griffiths and Mrs. Geneive Brown-Metzger, respectively.
The conference is being co-ordinated by the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board and the Embassy of Jamaica, Washington, D.C. The theme for the two-day conference is: ‘Responding to the challenge: Jamaicans unite for Progress’.