State Minister Terrelonge Urges Diaspora to Register for Biennial Conference in June

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, is encouraging Jamaicans in the diaspora to secure their tickets for the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, scheduled for June 14 to18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The event will be held under the theme ‘Re-Building A More Climate-Resilient Jamaica’.

“Members across the diaspora, bring your ideas, bring your expertise, bring your passion for Jamaica and, most importantly, bring your families. Bring a friend as well, so that they, too, can profit from this experience,” Mr. Terrelonge, who leads diaspora engagement, encouraged.

The State Minister noted that tickets are officially on sale with an early-bird rate of US$180 for a limited time at https://aitix.app/bjdc.

“We are excited about the prospects this year, having received numerous calls and expressions of interest in this year’s event,” Mr. Terrelonge stated.

He was speaking during a Town Hall and official launch of the Conference in Miramar, Florida, USA, on Sunday (March 22).

The State Minister noted that Conference participants can look forward to dynamic, high-level networking opportunities with fellow Jamaicans worldwide, including leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and change makers.

“There will be targeted business and investment forums, giving you direct access to opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, logistics, technology, and the creative industries,” Mr. Terrelonge informed.

He further emphasised that attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with government leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders, ensuring their voices are heard and their ideas contribute to shaping national priorities.

The State Minister added that this year’s Conference will feature a Marketplace, offering a variety of booths for entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

He also indicated that the event will incorporate high-tech engagement tools, including a business-to-business hub, to make the experience more rewarding for participants.

“When you come to Jamaica, you will get your digital armband. Your armband will have a QR code. So when you are speaking to the next business person, if you are interested in their product or if they are interested in your product, they can take their cell phone, they scan your QR code… and you are both connected,” Mr. Terrelonge explained.

He further advised that the Conference will introduce seamless cashless payments, end-to-end exhibitor management, and smarter point-of-sale solutions, all designed to make transactions effortless.

Mr. Terrelonge emphasised that the event serves as a vital forum, enabling members of the diaspora to actively partner in building Jamaica’s future.

“It is about co-creating solutions, strengthening resilience and unlocking new pathways for growth and development, whether you’re looking to invest [or] to return home,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Terrelonge informed that four hotels are partnering with the Ministry to offer special rates for members of the Jamaican Diaspora attending the Conference.

“The hotels involved, thus far, are Iberostar, S Hotel, Oceans and Half Moon. We expect to have the QR codes by next week to facilitate early bookings at these hotels,” he further advised.