Global Launch 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

Remarks by Mr Keith Levy, Interim Managing Director JN Bank
Representing the Hon. Earl Jarrett, OJ, CD, JP Chair of the Diaspora Conference Preparatory Committee

Acknowledgements

Thank you, Master of Ceremonies, Ms Debbie Bissoon

• Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
• Hon. Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry
• Ambassador Cheryl Spencer, Acting Permanent Secretary
• Ambassador Franz Hall, Conference Coordinator
• Ms Paulette Simpson, JN Group Executive and co-chair of the Conference Preparatory Planning Committee
• Fellow Legacy Partners:
  • Mr Courtney Campbell, President and CEO, VM Group
  • Mr Frank James, CEO, Grace Kennedy Group
• Members of the Jamaican Diaspora community on the virtual platform
• Specially invited guests
• Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen:

Let me extend greetings on behalf of The Jamaica National Group and our Chief Executive Officer and Chair of this year’s conference, the Hon. Earl Jarrett, who is unavoidably absent this morning.

The Jamaica National Group is pleased to be associated with the biennial staging of this Jamaica Diaspora Conference. This is regarded as a major homecoming event for both Jamaicans at home and abroad. It is equally significant for the estimated three million persons here in Jamaica… as it is for the three million Jamaicans living overseas… accounting for a collective of some six million persons who are blessed to have direct Jamaican heritage.

Whilst some persons here may argue that they are not impacted by the Jamaican Diaspora, it is hard to envision any facet of the Jamaican life in which some level of diaspora influence has not been felt – whether through avenues such as direct economic impact, philanthropy or volunteerism.

This year’s 11^th biennial conference comes at a critical juncture as the country is focused on rebuilding Jamaica following significant local challenges and global economic crises. But we are confident, as a people, that “There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica”, as our Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, has often stated.

And we have seen tangible demonstrations of this over the past six months.

This year’s conference will provide a forum where ideas to advance this belief can be shared… investments encouraged… and partnerships established to further strengthen the resilience of our people, businesses and communities.

Discussions will also identify opportunities for collaboration and highlight the enormous prospects that exist for expansion into various sectors of the Jamaican economy.

The preparation for the conference has been very thorough. Teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, other government agencies, and the private sector have come together to create an impactful agenda around which there will be stimulating, thought-provoking discourse marshalled by expert presenters who will facilitate engaging dialogue thereafter.

A critical component of the conference is the development of a plan with actionable and measurable outcomes that will enable accountability for the decisions made.

The JN Group values the contribution of the Jamaican Diaspora, many of whom are members of the JN family, and we continuously create avenues to engage them through the provision of financial services, remittances and, importantly, by offering sound advice that impacts life-changing decisions.

We also acknowledge the significant relationships we have forged with our members, spread across 91 countries, and the dreams and aspirations we have brought to life for persons with a goal of resettling on this beautiful island called Jamaica.

As a Group, we commit to continue working with our Jamaicans overseas to improve the outcome for all Jamaicans – both here and abroad.  

Ladies and gentlemen: Conference 2026 promises to be a great event.  We look forward to seeing participants from around the world. The continued staging of this conference is an enduring testament to the fact that there are Jamaicans everywhere who are willing and prepared to work together for Jamaica so that we can build back better.

Thank you…