Two men in dark business suits shake hands and smile at a formal event, flags visible in the background.

Record Diaspora Attendance Signals Strong Support for Jamaica

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Earl Jarrett (left), Conference chair and chief executive officer of The Jamaica National Group, greets Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, prime minister, at the 11th biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on June 16.

The record turnout at the 11th biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference has been hailed as a clear demonstration of the Jamaican diaspora’s commitment to national development, as more than 1,000 participants from 15 countries gathered at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Conference chair and chief executive officer of The Jamaica National Group, Earl Jarrett, said strong interest in the event resulted in an oversubscribed conference, underscoring the global Jamaican community’s continued engagement with the country.

“The level of attendance and the importance attached to this Jamaica Diaspora Conference sends a loud and clear message to the world that the Jamaican diaspora is committed to the development of our country,” Mr Jarrett stressed during the opening ceremony on June 16.

“This is an apt demonstration of the fact that Jamaicans, at home and abroad are proud of our strong heritage and we stand united in raising the flag of Jamaica high for all to see.”

Focusing on the theme, “Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica,” the conference has brought together members of the diaspora, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, academia and civil society in a unified forum aimed at advancing national development and resilience.

The event is convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in tandem with conference chair, The Jamaica National Group, legacy partners, government ministries, departments and agencies, and diaspora representatives. It continues to serve as Jamaica’s premier platform for engaging its global community and encouraging active participation in the country’s growth and future development.

Mr Jarrett said the conference continues to strengthen connections among Jamaicans worldwide while expanding opportunities for collaboration.

“The conference is a gathering that is focused on the possibilities for Jamaica. The network of Jamaicans is strong and getting even stronger, through this event,” Mr Jarrett related.

Also addressing the conference, Opposition Leader, Mark Golding said the strong turnout reflects the importance of the biennial gathering in uniting Jamaicans across the world to contribute to nation building.

He described Jamaicans abroad as central to the country’s economic and social stability.

“You are the most important source of Jamaica’s foreign exchange supply with higher net foreign exchange earnings than any other source. The fact that you are here today indicates that you wish to be part of the national development of Jamaica, and it is for us as leaders to find and create opportunities for you to play your part to the fullest.

Minister Golding further urged greater inclusion of diaspora expertise in national decision-making processes

“I know, for example, that public boards would benefit by your participation, and I would encourage mechanisms to be established to facilitate your presence and participation on public boards in the country. There are over 100 of them, and they cover a wide array of very important activities. This is where you can contribute to the governance of the nation.”

He also drew attention to ongoing recovery challenges in communities still affected by Hurricane Melissa, calling for prioritisation of livelihood restoration.

“Our priorities must be to restore the lives and livelihoods of those who are still suffering from that hurricane,” he said. The conference continues until June 18 with a series of panel discussions and networking sessions focused on strengthening partnerships and harnessing diaspora expertise in support of Jamaica’s development goals.