Munroe Calls for Direct Representation of Jamaican Diaspora

Senator, Professor Trevor Munroe has called for direct representation of the Jamaican Diaspora at the government level.
Addressing the 23rd annual awards banquet of the Jamaica National Movement (JNM) in New York on June 23, Senator Munroe said that overseas Jamaicans have made as much a contribution to the development of Jamaica as those living at home.
He told the audience that against the background of the increased flow of remittances, it was necessary for overseas Jamaicans to have direct representation in the government of Jamaica at the Parliamentary level, “so that you do not have to depend on those at home to speak on your behalf.”
Such representation and the need to intervene decisively was necessary, Senator Munroe said, “to help our country move forward to a new state of political development as per the l930s.”
Calling for closer collaboration between Jamaicans at home and abroad, Senator Munroe said it was his appreciation of the fundamental importance of the Diaspora which led him to move the appropriate Resolution in the Senate in l998, resulting in the formalization of the Diaspora Foundation.
Professor Munroe, one of five honorees for 2007, was presented with the Jamaica National Movement St. William Grant Award by JNM President, Horace Thomas. Consul General, Dr. Basil K. Bryan was presented with the JNM Marcus Garvey Award for Community Service. The JNM Michael Manley Award for Self Reliance went to businessman, Desmond A. Clarke.
Barbadian born Detective Leroy Hutchinson of the New York Police Department received the JNM Malcolm/King Award for Community Relations, while the JNM Service award went to member, Donald Myrie.