Jamaica Diaspora Conference Slated for June 16-19 in Montego Bay

Jamaicans abroad are being invited to attend the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference from June 16 to 19.

The four-day event, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and its Legacy Partners, is scheduled to take place in Montego Bay, St James.

Minister of State, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, made the announcement during a recent radio interview on WESU 88.1 FM in Connecticut, USA, where he shared views on the topic ‘Collaborating with the Diaspora to Build a Stronger Jamaica’.

Mr. Terrelonge, who has responsibility for diaspora affairs, said the Conference will focus on several topics, including trade, investments, education, health, crime and agriculture.

Members of the diaspora will also have the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and other Government Ministers.

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a biennial global forum that connects persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe, with the aim of strengthening linkages and building alliances that will fuel the island’s growth and development on the global stage.

Mr. Terrelonge also used the opportunity to speak about the work of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and its youth arm, the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC).

The State Minister said the GJDC is a consultative body and a key mechanism used by Government to connect with the diaspora.

“The Diaspora Council lets us know what is happening in the diaspora, how we can help, what they expect of their governments and how they, too, can contribute to the country with training, investment, education, health and crime strategies,” he added.

Mr. Terrelonge noted that the Council’s membership, which initially comprised representatives from eight traditional locations, including the USA, Canada and United Kingdom, has expanded to 30.

The new regions include Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Pacific, and Western Europe.

Mr. Terrelonge said there are also sector leaders represented on the Council who have direct linkages with the Ministry of Education and Youth.

He further indicated that there are Focal Points within Government Ministries to ensure that the ideas of members of the diaspora are shared, thereby enabling them to make valuable contributions to Jamaica’s growth and development.

“It is all about engaging, connecting and empowering the diaspora while also being able to provide goods and services… through our Consulates and Embassies and to our different Missions across the world,” Mr. Terrelonge stated.