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Jamaican Diaspora Southern USA holds preparatory meeting for National Diaspora Conference and Pays tribute to Air Jamaica staff

MIAMI – The Consulate General of Jamaica in collaboration with the Jamaican Diaspora Southern USA and the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce will hold a planning meeting this Thursday (May 6) at the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens.

Discussions will focus on the proposed agenda for the fourth biennial Jamaican National Diaspora conference to be held June 14-17, at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios. The meeting will also begin to assemble a team for attendance at the two-day summit.

In preparation for the Conference, Marlon Hill, Diaspora advisory Board representative told JIS News that at the planning meeting, he was hoping to solicit input, suggestions and guidance from the local Diasporic community in formulating a cooperative and engaging agenda of issues and action-oriented initiatives. “We need to ascertain that the Jamaican people have a vested interest in the success of the Diaspora movement with the partnering support of governmental institutions.”


Marlon Hill

Referring to the theme of the Conference “Partnering for Transformation: Jamaica and its Diaspora,” Mr. Hill said that it is critical that we firmly define the direction of our governance and the succession plan for leadership, financial sustainability of the movement, and a clear marketing message for Jamaicans at home and abroad.”

Mr. Hill continued that as we begin to engage the Future Leaders in the Diasporic effort, discussions would also take place in this regard to ensure full participation from our youth, first and second generations at the Conference. He explained that the youth movement has already begun very active participation, showing keen interest to be part of the nation’s economic development. “This is an unrealized source of talent and resources for Jamaica’s national development,” he added, “and we have work to do in crafting and carving out space for the next generation of future leaders.

Likewise, participants at Thursday’s meeting will also pay tribute to the Florida staff of Air Jamaica Limited, as the Company and Caribbean Airlines begin to implement the transition phase.


Consul General Grant-Griffiths

Jamaica’s Consul General, Sandra Grant Griffiths said that the community will use the opportunity to express appreciation to the Florida staff of the national carrier as over the years, they have played a significant role in the growth and development of the Caribbean Diaspora in the USA, with particular emphasis on the Jamaican community.


Marie Gill

President of the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce in Florida, Ms. Marie Gill will also give an update on preparations for the Jamaica’s premier trade exposition, Expo Jamaica 2010, to be held June 17 -20, at the National Arena in Kingston. Under the theme “Brand Jamaica to the World” a variety of products and services will be on display to a large audience including international buyers, importers and exporters.

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