Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Jamaican Government now analyzing options for Jamaicans living in Diaspora to be able to Vote
By: Derrick Scott
WASHINGTON, DC – Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith says the government is now analyzing various options from a number of countries with a view to having Jamaicans living in the diaspora being able to vote.
“I am therefore delighted to advise you all that as promise we have obtained information from countries that have already implemented these frame work and we are now in the process of analyzing various options which would be deemed to be in the best interest of Jamaica and you our diaspora.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural diaspora northeast USA Talawah awards gala at the JFK Hilton Hotel in queens New York on Saturday June 11, 2016 Senator Johnson Smith says once the consultation have been completed the matter would be placed before parliament.
The government she said, will re-establish and re-convene an joint select committee of the house of parliament on diaspora matters in order to elevate the relationships between the government and the diaspora.
“Members of the diaspora participating in the electoral process here in the north east region and across the globe is high on the agenda of the government”. She added that there is no denying that diaspora engagement and involvement have tremendous potential to bolster Jamaica’s economic advancement and it is essential therefore that our relationship be further strategically streamline to maximize the value of the diaspora’s contribution to Jamaica’s national development and in particular towards the attainment of economic growth and job creation.
Senator Johnson Smith urge members of the diaspora to look at investing in critical sectors of Jamaica’s economy including health and wellness services manufacturing agri-business, energy, mining logistics, financial services, and creative industries.
The awards gala brought the curtains down on the two day convention; seven outstanding Jamaican nationals received the inaugural Talawah awards, headlining the list were US congress woman Yvette Clarke who receive the award for politics, Rev Dr. Jacqueline McCullough who received the faith based award, Rev. Canon Calvin McIntire Lifetime achievement award, Devon Harris Sports Award, Michael Seton and Raxann Chin received future leaders award and Ed Robinson Received the arts Award.
Photo Credit: Derrick Scott
