The Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC), is a youth-led initiative with the aim of increasing the affinity for and connection of young Jamaican descendants of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations in the Diaspora, to Jamaica. The GJDYC was formally established in March 2020. Its conception arose out of the recognition that Jamaica needs to enhance its Diaspora youth engagement mechanisms.
The GJDYC serves to engage, empower and organize the youth of Jamaican heritage in the Diaspora and mobilize them to connect and contribute to Jamaica’s development. The GJDYC will shape a more strategic relationship with the Jamaican Diaspora which will bring benefits both to Jamaica and its global community.
The overall objectives of the GJDYC are in line with one of the eight major policy goals (Engagement of youth and young adults) and thematic area 7 of the draft National Diaspora Policy. Thematic area 7 states that ‘the promotion of cultural connectivity and linkages, as well as the creation of a sense of identity are key elements to strengthen the affinity of young Diasporans with Jamaica as they are more likely to have less affinity to Jamaica than their parents’.
It is important to note that the GJDYC is not an arm of the Government of Jamaica. Consequently, the views expressed by Council members do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Jamaica.
