State Minister Terrelonge to Participate In Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference

State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, will lead the opening session of the 2026 Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference, beginning Friday, October 23 in Philadelphia.

Mr. Terrelonge will join Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Brian Wallace, in addressing the topic, ‘The State of Jamaica and the Role of the Northeast Diaspora’, during the two-day conference, being held under the theme ‘One Diaspora, One Vision: Advancing Jamaica Together’.

The conference, scheduled for October 23 to 24 at Temple University, will bring together government officials, diplomats, business executives, investors, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, young professionals and members of the diaspora to examine opportunities for strengthening the Jamaican diaspora’s contribution to national development.

The State Minister’s participation will be a highlight of the opening day, which will also feature a Business Leaders’ Luncheon and Strategic Dialogue.

The session is expected to facilitate discussions on business development, investment opportunities and stronger economic connections between Jamaica and its diaspora.

Welcome remarks at the opening ceremony will be delivered by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker; Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC, Lishann Salmon; and Jamaica’s Consul General in New

York, Oliver Mair.
Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the Northeast United States and Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, Michelle Tulloch-Neil, will provide an overview of the conference.

The event aims to build on the success of the inaugural Northeast Diaspora Conference, held in Philadelphia in June 2025, by moving beyond dialogue to foster practical partnerships and initiatives capable of delivering measurable benefits to Jamaica and its overseas communities.

Discussions throughout the conference will focus on a range of issues, including trade and investment, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, immigration, public safety, human-trafficking awareness, shipping and customs, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Participants will also explore opportunities for stronger public-private partnerships, professional mentorship, youth leadership development and sustainable community initiatives. The conference is expected to showcase how Jamaicans in the diaspora can leverage their expertise, resources and professional networks to contribute to Jamaica’s economic growth and social advancement.

Set against the backdrop of Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery and reconstruction efforts, the conference will emphasise the importance of coordinated diaspora engagement and sustainable, long-term approaches to national development and resilience.

Among the featured speakers are Norma Jarrett of OFANA, Andrea Lawful-Sanders, David Mullings, Ambassador Wallace, Beverly Clarke, and Blane Stoddart.

Mr. Mair will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, October 24, under the theme ‘Together, We Go Far: Building a Stronger Jamaica Through Diaspora Collaboration’.

A highlight of this year’s conference will be the participation of young professionals from seven universities across the Northeastern United States.

Their involvement is aimed at fostering stronger connections among emerging leaders while creating avenues for mentorship, entrepreneurship, professional growth and increased participation in Jamaica’s development.