Caption: Dr. Kevin Brown, the newly appointed President of the University of Technology (UTECH).
(MFA&FT: July 12, 2023)
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has extended congratulations to Dr. Kevin Brown, on his recent appointment as President of the University of Technology (UTECH), noting that “Dr. Brown’s appointment serves as further testament to the wealth of experience that exists in the Diaspora, and solidifies the importance of diaspora engagement and empowerment”. The State Minister lauded Dr. Brown who is a returning member of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), recognising that he “comes to the position with a wealth of knowledge, experience and genuine interest in the welfare of Jamaica and Jamaicans.”
Minister Terrelonge welcomes the opportunity to continue working with Dr. Brown who is familiar with the mandate and main thrust of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC), in a strategic partnership to support youth engagement and empowerment in Jamaica and across the diaspora. Minister Terrelonge further underscored that the priority attention given by the Government to Diaspora engagement over the years, has yielded valuable results in various areas of development, including through the process of brain-gain, while adding that Dr Brown’s appointment will foster tangible outcomes in his new role at UTECH.
In a call to action, the Minister has indicated that “the GoJ encourages all Jamaicans at home and abroad to join hands in this intentional partnership to enhance the livelihood and welfare of the entire Jamaican family.” He continued; “opportunities are here for those of us who desire to return home. For those who remain abroad, we encourage you to keep the nation’s interest front of mind in your various spheres of operation and general engagements”. Within this context, he acknowledged the instrumental role played by Dr. Brown, along with other GJDC members to support the Government’s growth and sustainable development agenda, with particular reference being made to their support in organising the recently held Regional Jamaica Diaspora Conference in the United Kingdom.
The Minister, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, also stated that “the migration and development nexus is one of the fundamental agents driving economic growth globally, with Jamaicans being significant agents of change across the Caribbean, North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific regions”.
Noting that the Jamaican Diaspora has built solid foundations on which many of the world’s economies have been established, including the significant contributions made by Jamaicans to the industrial revolution and Britain’s ascendancy as a global superpower in the late 1700’s, Minister Terrelonge welcomed their return to Jamaica. “While many have gone far afield in search of opportunities, we are proud to welcome home increasing numbers who are returning, having acquired extensive experience and qualifications,” he said.
The Jamaica-Diaspora partnership which has the support of the whole of government and stakeholders across every sector in Jamaica, is supported by the National Diaspora Policy and a Plan of Action expected to be completed in the second quarter of the current financial year.
