NEW YORK – (JIS) – Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley, will speak about the gains from the recent Jamaica Diaspora Conference, when he addresses the opening of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) on July 12 in Maryland.
A strong advocate of the Diaspora initiative, Ambassador Shirley is also expected to outline the government’s approach to enhancing the relationship between Jamaicans at home and abroad and to increase the participation of overseas nationals in the country’s development.
The 29th annual conference will be held over five days at the Silver Spring Hilton Hotel under the theme: ‘Reclaiming The Dream’.
Others expected to address the annual convention are: Anthony Hylton, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Douglas Orane, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy and Company; while NAJASO’s President Catherine Harrison-Tomlinson, will report on the work of the organization.
Noting that the convention will address more than the usual range of issues and challenges, Mrs. Harrison-Tomlinson told JIS News that delegates would participate in workshops on business development, investment opportunities, health and immigration issues, as well as community empowerment.
A trade exposition, to run concurrently with the convention, will highlight travel and tourism in Jamaica. Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), GraceKennedy, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Air Jamaica, are expected to participate in the expo.
In recognition of long and outstanding service to the organization, NAJASO will present its 2006 award to Winston McHargh of Ohio, at its banquet on Saturday night, July 15.
The 29th annual convention will conclude on July 16 with a morning worship service and an afternoon picnic and family fun day in Washington, DC.
The convention is being co-hosted by the Jamaican National Association (JNA) of the Washington Metropolitan Area and the Jamaican Association of Maryland (JAM).
Established in July 1977 by late former Ambassador to the US, Alfred A. Rattray, NAJASO’s core mission is to provide a medium linking Jamaicans with organizations throughout the US.
