MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRAD
2 Port Royal Street, Kington
MEDIA RELEASE
February 24, 2026
New Diaspora Leaders Elected to Represent Jamaicans Overseas
Jamaican communities across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have elected new members to serve on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC), following the conclusion of the 2026 Diaspora Council elections on Friday (February 20).
The elections marked the most competitive and participatory contest in the Councils’ history, with a record 52 candidates and close to 1,700 approved voters across six electoral regions (USA Midwest and West, USA Northeast, USA South, Canada, UK North and UK South). The outcome establishes the next leadership body to advance structured engagement between the Government of Jamaica and its Diaspora for the next three years.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who has responsibility for strengthening Jamaica’s relationship with its Diaspora, welcomed the newly elected members and praised the dedication, service and active participation of Diaspora communities throughout the electoral process.
“I join the Ministry in warmly congratulating the newly elected members of the GJDC and the GJDYC and thank the electoral committees, candidates and the many Jamaicans overseas who participated in the process. This level of engagement reflects the strength of our Diaspora partnership and our shared commitment to building a stronger Jamaica. This election was also a Diaspora-led process, underscored by strong voter turnout and a record number of nominees who offered themselves to serve across the various regions. Together with the new Council members, the Government will continue to strengthen this engagement and ensure our Diaspora continues to have meaningful avenues to contribute their expertise and leadership, as we strengthen our country’s position as a destination for trade and investment in support of shared growth and development,” Minister Terrelonge said.
The newly elected Council members will join appointed representatives who serve Jamaican communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe (excluding the United Kingdom), Africa and the Middle East as well as Asia and the Pacific. Membership on any Council is voluntary, with members serving in a non-remunerative capacity. The GJDC and the GJDYC operate within the framework of Jamaica’s National Diaspora Policy and serve as a key avenue for engagement with Jamaicans overseas, complementing other initiatives such as digital engagement platforms, sector-specific collaboration mechanisms and the biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference. These initiatives have also strengthened communication channels and created practical pathways for Jamaicans overseas to contribute to national growth and development.
The conclusion of Friday’s elections follows two recent rulings by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, which declined to grant relief sought by an applicant attempting to halt or interfere with the Diaspora elections. In its most recent filing on February 20, the Court declined to sign the plaintiff’s proposed order, citing procedural deficiencies and failure to comply with applicable court rules.
The names of the newly elected Council members will be announced shortly, as they prepare to formally assume office in March. The Council will also play a key role in preparations for the 11th Jamaica Diaspora Biennial Conference, scheduled for June 14 to 18 in Montego Bay.
