Foreign Minister Calls on Jamaicans Across the Globe to Partner with Their Homeland

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, has issued a call for Jamaicans across generations and across the globe to partner with their homeland in shaping a stronger, more sustainable and resilient nation.

“The Government recognises and values the remarkable contributions from members of the diaspora across the globe, and moreover, we believe in the need to deepen and expand our engagement,” Mrs. Johnson Smith said.

She was speaking at Wednesday’s (April 15) Global Launch of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston.

The Biennial Conference will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, from June 14 to 18, under the theme ‘Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building A More Resilient Jamaica’.

Senator Johnson Smith noted that it will provide an excellent platform for members of the diaspora to identify practical avenues through which they can play an even greater role in Jamaica’s transformation.

“Since its inception some 22 years ago, the conference has provided an opportunity for dialogue and reflection on shared achievements, to address emerging challenges, and to identify new pathways for engagement… . It has also provided a platform for action,” the Minister said.

She pointed out that with global economic shifts, climate change, public health crises, technological disruptions and geopolitical tensions rising, it is essential that Jamaica build resilience.

“The conference will serve to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities in areas such as trade and investment, advancing technology and innovation, creative and cultural industries, healthcare, education, housing, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship, safety and security… and collaboration in areas such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and community development, leveraging much of the focus and currency engendered by [Hurricane] Melissa,” she detailed.

Senator Johnson Smith emphasised that for decades the Jamaican diaspora has been one of the nation’s greatest strengths.

The Minister pointed out that Jamaicans have established themselves as leaders and critical stakeholders in key sectors across the world, including business, academia, healthcare, technology, culture and public service.

“This helps to bolster positive recognition of the qualities of Jamaica, of Jamaicans, and of ‘Jamaicanness’ in different spheres, in different spaces across the world. This is building and supporting brand Jamaica,” she said.

Senator Johnson Smith noted that no matter how far Jamaicans travel, they remain deeply connected to the land of their birth.

“Through philanthropy, investments, remittances, and knowledge transfer, many Jamaicans in the diaspora remain significantly involved in helping to sustain families, generate economic activity, strengthen schools and communities, and ultimately support national development,” the Minister said.

She pointed out that Jamaica’s diaspora is not simply an external population; it is an integral part of the Jamaican family.

“For these and other reasons, diaspora engagement remains an important pillar of our foreign policy, and the diaspora itself, the Jamaican community overseas, remains one of our most important partners,” the Minister said.

In his remarks, State Minister, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, noted that the conference theme reflects Jamaica’s commitment to sustainability and resilience in the face of global challenges.

He noted, further, that this year’s conference assumes particular significance, as it provides a platform to deliberate on Jamaica’s developmental course in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Mr. Terrelonge emphasised that the substantive programme is meticulously curated to facilitate rich and meaningful exchanges among participants.

“It provides an opportunity for discussions along key issues such as real estate, business, entrepreneurship, promoting social impact and volunteerism, fostering greater Jamaican identity and interconnectedness amongst young people of Jamaican heritage across the diaspora, disaster recovery and reconstruction, as well as investments and partnerships,” the State Minister detailed.

He noted that the Conference activities will also include a thanksgiving worship service, an official ceremony with Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, vibrant cultural presentations and a bustling marketplace of goods and services.

“The conference will culminate with a diaspora day of service affording an invaluable opportunity for collective action and community upliftment,” Mr. Terrelonge shared.

He noted that this year’s conference will utilise technology designed to make the experience more seamless and connected.

“We look forward to welcoming participants from across the globe, united by the shared vision for Jamaica’s progress, prosperity and resurgence,” the State Minister added.

In his remarks, Interim Managing Director at Jamaica National (JN) Group, Keith Levy, who represented JN Group CEO and Chair of the 11th Biennial Conference, Hon. Earl Jarrett, said the event will be a major homecoming for Jamaicans at home and abroad.

“We anticipate that this conference will forge new areas of partnership and strengthen existing relations with our homeland and the members of our Jamaican diaspora,” he affirmed.