Government Expands Engagement with Jamaicans Overseas
By: , January 31, 2024
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, addresses today’s (January 30), ceremony for the handover of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM) portal, at the Ministry’s offices, downtown Kingston.
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, along with Project Manager with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Krystal Loffters, display the certificate for the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM) portal, at a handover ceremony held at the Ministry’s offices, downtown Kingston, today (January 30).
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (right), in discussion with member of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), Lisa Rutty, and President of the University of Technology (UTech) and former member of the GJDC), Dr. Kevin Brown, at the handover of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM) portal, at the Ministry’s offices, downtown Kingston, today (January 30).The Full Story
The Government has made another step to expand engagement with Jamaicans living overseas, with the establishment of the virtual platform – the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM).
Speaking at the handover of the facility, today (January 30), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, downtown Kingston, Minister of State in the Ministry, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said it is a “significant stride” in leveraging the best of technology to “strengthen our connections across the globe”.
“This portal brings all the key elements of the Government of Jamaica together, for the benefit of the Jamaican Diaspora with sound investment opportunities, linking them with key agencies,” he said.
He added that once persons enter the platform, they are able to access all the investment promotions in Jamaica that are managed by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), adding that they are “given an opportunity to invest in your homeland” and get meaningful “returns on your investments. Jamaica is booming with business opportunities”.
The virtual facility came out of recommendations in 2016 from the Economic Growth Council (EGC) and later discussed at the seventh Biennial Diaspora Conference in 2017, which further called for a digital mechanism that would bridge communication and empower residents in the diaspora.
The Minister of State told the gathering that the system was developed through a partnership involving the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), and their dedication and support have been “invaluable in this truly diaspora-centric virtual platform”.
Mr. Terrelonge said it is envisioned that the platform will serve as a catalyst for creating an enabling environment necessary to attract diaspora investments in “priority sectors” of the economy, “foster entrepreneurship, stimulate business development, and encourage innovation”.
“As we transition into this new era of connectivity and engagement, let us embrace JAM-DEM as more than just a virtual space. Let it symbolise our collective commitment to harnessing the potential of our diaspora, in propelling Jamaica towards greater heights,” he said.