South Florida holds launch to engage overseas nationals for the upcoming Jamaica National Diaspora Conference – June

FT. LAUDERDALE – ​Plans for the fifth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference to be held in June, in Montego Bay, got underway in South Florida following the Media Launch last Thursday (Mar. 28), when a large number of nationals turned out at the Sheraton Suites Hotel in Plantation.

​Speaking at the Launch, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, stated that the upcoming Conference themed “Nation on a Mission: Jamaica-Diaspora Partnership for Development” will be staged at the Montego Bay Convention Center, June 16 through 19, and will seek to build on the engagement process further strengthening the partnership between Jamaica and its Diaspora over the years, so that the partnership can be taken to a new level.

​As the June Conference will have an increased focus on trade and investment, the Minister stated that there were enormous opportunities available, and “we must prepare ourselves to embrace them,” he added. The agenda, he pointed, is expected to showcase and encourage business transactions, to be initiated between interested nationals in the Diaspora and at home, through investments and venture capital initiatives, and targeted to specific possibilities. Speaking of meaningful collaboration between Jamaica and its Diaspora, he suggested effective alliances with local investors and those from the Diaspora, taking advantage of provisions in trade agreements, while exploring other avenues to penetrate markets. He also pointed to Government’s new thrust towards Diaspora engagement through the development of sustainable linkages and coherent policies to foster trade and development.

​He reiterated that as the Conference agenda presents a renewed and increased commitment for Diaspora philanthropy in areas such as healthcare and education, the forum will also present investment opportunities in infrastructure development for educational institutions and health facilities.

Simultaneously, the Minister praised nationals in the Diaspora for their ongoing commitment and invaluable contributions to the nation’s economic development, noting that the theme of the Conference will aim to achieve a framework designed to harness the collective energies, talent and resources from the Diaspora as well as in Jamaica.

​In order to establish ongoing dialogue, following the Conference, Minister Brown also projected that it is expected that discussions would lead to the establishment of an Action Implementation Group to act on key recommendations prior to the next biennial Conference in 2015. This group would consist of representatives from the Diaspora, the private and key government offices and agencies.

​Describing the planned agenda of presentations and discussions, Minister Brown indicated that the three-day conference will bring together Jamaicans at home and abroad to participate in activities such as the “Diaspora Market Place” which will showcase a range of investment and philanthropic opportunities, products and services on the island. It will also offer express services and information from key private and public sector agencies. In addition, there will be presentations by a range of local and overseas officials and experts, and opportunities for dialogue and networking in the focus areas of trade and investment, health and education and philanthropic ventures. Other features will also include business tours, special hospitality events, and a Diaspora Day of Service on June 20th.

​Jamaica’s Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths welcomed the large South Florida audience of public elected officials, corporate leaders and those of Jamaican community-based groups, faith based groups, youth leaders, and several interested individuals as well as representatives of the media. Several participants were acknowledged as the event was streamed live online out of South Florida by Irie Times Jamaica (www.irietimesjamaica.com). Dale Jones, Deputy Consul General, chaired the evening’s programme.

​Regional representatives from some of the major sponsoring partners for the June conference shared in the programme, all pledging support to national development and to Diaspora relations. Those present included Suzette Rochester, Manager of the Florida Representative Office of Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS); Janice McIntosh, Chief Representative Officer, Jamaica National USA (JNBS); Derrick Reckord, Vice President, Grace Foods International; and Marcia Bullock Jobson, Regional Director, Groups and Conventions, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Additionally, Kaye Chong, Account Executive, Caribbean Airlines/Air Jamaica, was on hand to announce the Airline’s support of a ten-percent (10%) discount available to conference participants.

​A brief question and answer session was moderated by Diaspora Advisory Board member, USA-South, Dr. Susan Lycett-Davis.

​Persons can visit the Conference website at www.jamaicandiaspora.gov.jm for updated information on media, registration, marketplace participation, as well as suggested details for accommodations and transportation.

​In an effort to engage interest and garner support for the Diaspora National Conference, similar launch events have been planned in overseas communities across the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has collaborated with Jamaica’s diplomatic missions and the Diaspora Advisories in those regions.

​The South Florida Launch event was organized in association with several of Jamaica’s international corporate entities and agencies that have partnered as 2013 Conference sponsors. They include Grace Foods USA/Grace Kennedy Money Services-Western Union, Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), J. Wray and Nephew Limited, and, and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). The National Conference is endorsed by JAMPRO and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.