Jamaica Diaspora Southern USA engages nationals in Mapping Project to support migrant community

SOUTH FLORIDA – The launching of the Mapping Jamaica’s Diaspora project is set to continue in the United States of America as Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown prepares to meet with Jamaican nationals during community visits across the Southern United States.

The four day community forums begin on Monday (Oct. 27) in South Florida, followed by a visit to Orlando (Oct. 28); and Atlanta, Georgia (Oct. 29), ending in Houston, Texas (Oct. 30).

The Mapping Jamaica’s Diaspora project is being implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Its aim is to identify through survey responses a database of skills, interests and location of the Jamaican Diaspora which will enable the Government to better serve the Diaspora and harness its potential for the benefit of the country.  Nationals can meanwhile take the survey at www.mapjadiaspora.iom.int.  Minister Brown recently launched the Mapping Project at similar forums in Diaspora communities across the Northeast USA.

During his visit across the Southern USA, the Minister will be accompanied by Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall; Director of Diaspora and Consular Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Wilks; Jamaica Diaspora Board Representative for the Southern USA, Wayne Golding, Esq.; and from the IOM, Miss Keisha Livermore, Head of Office, and Mrs. Rukiya Brown, Project Assistant.

All Jamaicans and friends of the Diaspora are invited to attend community forums in their respective communities as the Government continues to engage with its nationals identifying persons with special skills and experiences which can be used in Jamaica’s national development goals as well as serving in areas of interest to represent Jamaica globally.

Meeting Schedule : 

South Florida, October 27^th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Educational and Cultural Auditorium, 3580 W. Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderhill, Florida 33311 

Orlando: October 28^th, 6:30 p.m. at Eastmonte Civic Center, 830 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701 

Atlanta, GA: October 29^th, at 7:00 p.m., at the St. Timothy United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Houston, TX: October 30^th, 7:00 p.m., at the First Methodist Church, 3663 Westcenter Drive, Houston, Texas 77042