Photo Caption: Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith delivers the keynote address at the Global Launch of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.
The anticipation for the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference has reached new heights following its official launch earlier today. The hybrid event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, marks the countdown to the conference which is scheduled for June 16 – 19, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith says “under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth
Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between
Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national
development goals”.
During her keynote address, the Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of the Diaspora’s
contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors including
healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who
carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica.
Key stakeholders, including conference chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell and Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement. With a target of more than 1000
participants, the conference aims to provide a platform to enrich discussions and initiatives aimed at
empowering the Diaspora.
This morning’s launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as the Honourable Delory Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasising the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.
As preparations continue for the conference, Jamaicans at home and abroad are encouraged to register and participate. The government remains committed to ensuring the success of the conference and looks forward to welcoming attendees to Montego Bay in June
Photo Caption: Honourable Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, addresses attendees at the hybrid Global Launch of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.
