Several Key Topics to Be Discussed at Diaspora Conference

Crime, education, agriculture, investment and technology are among the topics to be discussed at the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference scheduled for June 16 to 19.

Discussions will also focus on artificial intelligence, the creative industry and other areas in which young people can contribute.

This was disclosed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, while speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, held at the Agency’s head office in Kingston.

Mr. Terrelonge said that the programme for the Conference is being finalised and should be ready within the next two to three weeks.

“We are tweaking it based on the different launches that we have had… . So, while we have some moderators and presenters who have been confirmed, there are others who may wish to get on board,” he said, noting that at the different conference launches, persons with specialised skills had volunteered to be moderators or presenters.

In addition to a recent satellite launch hosted by the Jamaica Mission in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, there have been launches in various diaspora regions.

Mr. Terrelonge said that the Conference is not just about Jamaican private businesses or Jamaican government members. “We want the input of the diaspora, that expert level,” he added.

He said that the Conference will begin on Sunday, June 16 with a church service endorsed by the Jamaican Council of Churches.

This will be followed by the official opening ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

From Monday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 19, there will be Power Breakfasts, including talks and presentations.

“Key deals and investment ideas will be broken there, ensuring continued growth and development, not just for Jamaica but also for the businesses of those persons who live in the diaspora,” he said.

Chair of the Conference, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), VM Group, Courtney Campbell, who also spoke at the Think Tank, said the programme will include diverse topics that have “been influenced by Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans who live overseas”.

“What we are trying to do is to intentionally dedicate more time and space to discussing matters that not only are of interest to the people in the diaspora but which will benefit them. We are saying unite for Jamaica’s development,” he added.

Mr. Campbell pointed out that the benefits ought not to go one way, such as people sending remittances and investments to Jamaica.

“Yes, that is important, and we would wish for that to continue and to grow, but we want to ensure that the people from the diaspora leave this Conference with a sense that they, too, are benefiting in real ways from this engagement,” he said.

The Conference is to be held under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: fostering peace, productivity and youth empowerment’.

Persons registering online for the Conference can visit the Ministry’s Evenbrite registration website – diasporaconferenceja.evenbrite.com.

The website also provides additional information, such as hotel accommodation and early bird prices for persons who register for the Conference.