MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE
2 Port Royal Street, Kingston
MEDIA RELEASE
Government Strengthens Digital Links with Jamaican Diaspora The Government of Jamaica is sharpening its digital tools to strengthen ties with the Diaspora, ensuring Jamaicans abroad have direct access to information, services and opportunities to contribute to national development, says Honourable Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
The Minister shared this update during a sensitisation session held at the Ministry, which focused on improving awareness and use of two key digital platforms: JaDiasporaEngage (JA-DEM, formerly JAM-DEM) and ConnectMeJa (Diaspora Registration Portal). He says the platforms serve as key connectors between Jamaica and its global Diaspora, offering tools to map communities, facilitate communication and provide access to investment and philanthropic opportunities.
“These tools were strategically designed to strengthen engagement and function as both informational hubs and interactive spaces where Jamaicans abroad can stay connected, contribute to national initiatives and explore avenues for business and personal development,” the Minister explained.
Since the launch of the platforms at the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference last June, both platforms have been updated to improve user experience and responsiveness. The Minister says their continued development has been supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
“Our Diaspora embodies the resilience and innovation that define Jamaica. By deepening our engagement, we not only honour their invaluable contributions but also strengthen the bridge between our global family and our nation’s development. These two online platforms serve as vital tools in this mission, ensuring that Jamaicans worldwide have worldwide have seamless entry to resources, support networks and pathways to actively participate in Jamaica’s advancement. They also support personal pursuits, including investment opportunities and business development among other things”, Terrelonge continued.
He added that from a policy standpoint, Jamaica is recognised as a leader in Diaspora engagement, and the Ministry’s overseas missions will continue to play a key role in further promoting these platforms as part of a broader strategy to leverage technology for stronger, more effective connections with Jamaicans worldwide.
Meanwhile, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Tracey Blackwood, pointed out that JA-DEM can be accessed through the Ministry’s website at www.mfaft.gov.jm, while ConnectMeJa can be found on both the App Store and Google Playstore. She underscored the importance of modernising Diaspora engagement, noting that the Ministry has remained agile in adapting these platforms to address emerging challenges including but not limited to migration.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to embrace technology, including the integration of AI at our consulates, and these platforms represent much-needed upgrades in our engagement methods. We are also pleased with features like ConnectMeJa’s ability to connect returning residents worldwide and facilitate job registration through the Job Match facility, which helps the Labour Ministry identify and fill available positions for those resettling in Jamaica”, Mrs. Blackwood explained.
Members of the public are encouraged to explore the platforms and share feedback, which would provide the Ministry another opportunity to enhance user-friendliness and overall efficiency.
