Gov’t Urges Business Support for Diaspora Conference

The Government is urging business leaders in western Jamaica to support the upcoming Diaspora Conference and be prepared to take advantage of any opportunities for economic growth that might arise.

The Conference is scheduled to be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 16 to 19, under the theme: ‘A Nation On A Mission: Jamaica Diaspora Partnership For Development.’

Addressing a group of business leaders and tourism interests in St. James on Friday, March 1, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, said one of the focuses of the conference is to develop and solidify effective partnerships between Jamaica and the Diaspora, in a situation where investors can take advantage of provisions in trade agreements and marketing.

Noting the country’s preoccupation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr. Brown, said while an agreement may stabilize our circumstance, it is not going to solve our problems and Jamaica has to go for growth.

“I am positioning here this afternoon that this conference in June, whilst it’s not a panacea, it is one of the responses to the growth agenda,” the State Minister said.

He assured stakeholders that a team will be established to implement the outcomes of the conference so that opportunities for growth are not ignored or bypassed.

The Jamaica Diaspora conference is being held every two years and is designed to bring together Jamaicans at home and overseas to strengthen and sustain existing and emerging linkages, and networks to advance the socio-economic development of the country.

The event will feature presentations by a range of experts, trade and investment interests, local officials and Diaspora interests, a market place, tours, opportunities for dialogue, community based activities and unique special events to foster networking.