State Minister Outlines Significant Contribution of Diaspora

The contribution of the Jamaican Diaspora to the country’s economy now stands at 14 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), says Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge.

Mr. Terrelonge said the growth and successes that have been achieved over the decades, particularly in recent times, have been due, in part, to the Government of Jamaica’s steadfast recognition of the “power of our diaspora”.

Speaking at a recent Diplomatic Day event at the Ministry in downtown Kingston, the Minister of State said the 14 per cent contribution from the diaspora was from remittances, which amounted to US$3.4 billion in 2021 from the United States (US) and three other countries.

He added that for the period April 1 to October 31, 2023, contribution to the health sector from overseas Jamaicans totalled $93.8 million, with support to the Adopt-A-Clinic Programme amounting to $4.3 million “from three diaspora locations”.

“In the area of education, alumni associations and churches in the diaspora have themselves been solid social investors in the students and people of Jamaica. In fact, the Jamaican education sector received US$24.6 million for [the financial year] 2019/2020,” he noted.

Mr. Terrelonge said the term diaspora is one that has “tremendous meaning to us as a Government,” as the Administration recognises the potential contribution of its overseas nationals, and the power that they hold towards national development, “even as we seek to strengthen our critical bilateral partnerships”.

He outlined that the recently adopted National Diaspora Policy prioritises a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to nation-building, which underscores the “significance of the diaspora” as an essential and long-standing partner and actor in the national development efforts.

There is a recognition, he underscored, of the multiple avenues that have existed for years among diasporans for giving back, and the Administration has instituted a “strong formal” forum for partnership between Government and the diaspora through the premier biennially held Diaspora Conferences, the 10th of which will be held from June 16 to 19, 2024 in Montego Bay, St. James.

“As we seek to improve and perfect our engagement, based on the principles of forging partnerships and sustainable development, with an emphasis on human capital and youth development and empowerment, and a more inclusive approach, the Government of Jamaica has established other key supportive mechanisms, chief among them the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, to assist in further realising the developmental potential of Jamaica and her people,” the State Minister said.