South Florida Diaspora Prepares for Second National Conference

In preparation for the second National Diaspora Conference to be held in Kingston in June, delegates from Southeast USA met last Saturday (May 13), in Lauderhill, to discuss issues on the conference agenda as they relate to Florida.
Diaspora Advisory Board member, Dahlia Walker-Huntington, encouraged delegates to participate and collaborate in the panel discussions designed to highlight the interests of Jamaica and the Diaspora.
The delegates raised several issues for further discussion on the conference agenda. These include matters relating to crime, continued efforts to advance the island’s rich heritage and culture overseas, and mobilization of the Diaspora through inclusiveness and partnering with corporations and associations in an effort to broaden the Diaspora Foundation movement in the overseas communities.
There were also suggestions to partner Jamaican young people with their peers overseas to create linkages in areas of interest, such as culture and heritage, education and career opportunities.
Recommendations for trade and investment opportunities for Jamaican nationals were also raised for discussion on the agenda.
While praising Jamaicans for their commitment to the nation’s economic development, Consul-General, Ricardo Allicock, urged delegates to work for the good of the country abroad.
He pointed out that the make-up of the 50 delegates expected to attend the two-day summit from the Southeast region, would include persons from community organizations, the business community, public service, media, clergy, academia and student bodies.
The Consul General also praised the efforts of Mrs. Walker-Huntington, the first elected member of the Jamaica Advisory Board, with responsibility for the Southeast USA. He lauded her commitment and efforts in starting the process to galvanize the Jamaican community.
Mrs. Walker-Huntington, a South Florida-based attorney, was among the seven elected Board members from the overseas Jamaican communities, appointed at the historic launch of the National Diaspora Conference in June 2004.
About 500 delegates are expected to participate in the second National Diaspora Conference in Kingston, with 400 expected from the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.