Senator Robinson to Address Diaspora Think Tank in London

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Dr. Ronald Robinson, is scheduled to address a Think Tank in London, England this Friday (Sept. 11), on ‘Enhancing the Political and Economic Welfare of the Jamaican UK (United Kingdom) Diaspora.’
Senator Robinson, who has special responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, hosted a Future Leadership Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Kingston last month.
Three Jamaican corporate entities have joined forces with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to host the one-day session, which is aimed at fostering a more progressive business environment between the UK and Jamaica.
These are Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) and GraceKennedy.
Slated to be held at the Chandos House, Royal Society of Medicine, the Think Tank will target top business leaders in the UK and Jamaica, members of the Jamaican expatriate community and persons with economic, academic and political backgrounds related to the Diaspora.
Presenters include Chancellor of the University of Technology, Lord Bill Morris of Handsworth; Caribbean Council Director, David Jessop; Immigration Judge, Cordella Bart-Stewart; and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Foods, Michael Ranglin.
Topics to be discussed include integration, economic and social life, political influence and immigration.
“We firmly believe that the climate exists in which we can facilitate dialogue with Jamaicans and our friends in the Diaspora, to encourage debate on specific issues that can further develop the influence of the Diaspora in Jamaica and the UK,” said General Manager of JNBS, Earl Jarrett.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy, Douglas Orane, for his part, said that “this Diaspora dialogue is a welcome initiative as we continue to explore those issues that are relevant and vital to the social, economic and political growth of our people abroad.”
VMBS President, Richard Powell, noted that, “Victoria Mutual has had a long-standing relationship with Jamaicans in the UK Diaspora and this Think Tank is an opportunity for us to strengthen that relationship and explore ways in which we can promote their interest and well-being.”