In their efforts to criticise the burgeoning diaspora movement among Jamaicans overseas, recent correspondents (Michael Palmer, Sunday, May 7; Sylbourne Sydial, Thursday, May 27) have shown a lack of understanding of what it represents. It is time to set the record straight and to put an end to the unfounded allegations which have been made in your paper.

Patsy Robertson

For the record, the Jamaican Diaspora UK is a voluntary organisation with links to recognised organisations and groups in the Jamaican community. Its primary objective is to organise Jamaicans in the UK to work together in a co-operative and effective way, to develop coherent strategies that support Jamaica's development goals and counteract the unfavourable image of Jamaica and Jamaicans now prevalent in their host country.

Its management is in the hands of respected individuals in the Jamaican community. At the first conference in Jamaica in 2004, two volunteers were chosen by the UK delegation to lead the organisation and carry the work forward.

A series of meetings were held at the High Commission (free of cost) to which leaders of Jamaican community groups from across the country were invited. A management structure for the whole of the UK was established, with regional structures developed and coordinating officers in place to work with established organisations in their areas. Shortly afterwards, planning for the first conference in Britain began.

In April 2006, this major conference was held in West Bromwich to prepare for the forthcoming conference in Jamaica. The organisers had hoped to attract 500 people; nearly 1,000 attended and registered to participate.

A delegation from Jamaica attended, headed by Senator Delano Franklin, Minister of State for Diaspora Affairs, along with Mr Ed Bartlett, representing the Jamaica Labour Party. The keynote address was given by Sir Bill Morris, Chancellor of UTech and a champion of the diaspora in the UK.

It was an inspiring gathering of Jamaicans, eager to stand up and be counted.

Information has been circulated to those who attended and to others who have indicated their interest in taking up the 100 places allotted to the UK for the conference in Jamaica later this month. The High Commission was asked to help circulate information through their extensive contact list, which includes virtually all the recognised Jamaican voluntary groups.

This process has been legitimate and transparent, and in fact many new groups have emerged as a result. With an estimated 250,000 Jamaicans in the UK and only 100 delegate places available, it is understandable that many potential delegates would be disappointed.

It is important to note that all delegates will be travelling at their own expense, save for a discounted fare kindly offered by Air Jamaica.
For 50 years, the community here has been plagued by the irresponsible behaviour of people who stand on the sidelines and criticise. Michael Palmer criticises the Jamaican Diaspora UK, because it has done nothing about "the UK government moving against Jamaicans under their biased immigration laws".

There is a crisis in Britain about illegal immigrants and deportation procedures and the media publicity which surrounds it. In this context, it was reported recently that the biggest number of foreign criminals who are scheduled for deportation are Jamaicans, followed by Nigerians; hardly a matter for the diaspora to take on without the ability to check prison and court records.

Although there may be a case for lobbying by the Jamaican diaspora group, any official action on immigration must be led by the High Commission, on behalf of the Jamaican government.

There is very little personal advantage or aggrandisement these days in being a Jamaican in Britain. There is much work to be done to combat the bad publicity which Jamaica routinely receives. Recently, the front page of the second section of the Guardian newspaper was entitled in big, black capitals: "To be Gay in Jamaica, is to be Dead", to publicise a special report on homophobia and violence against gay people in Jamaica. The diaspora group has been working behind the scenes, responding to articles like this and other negative reporting, such as the treatment of gays and so-called "murder music".

Quoting disgruntled, unidentified Jamaicans and spreading unfounded allegations about "the usual clubby old school atmosphere which lacks creativity and objectivity" is easy. The hard bit is to meet the challenge which confronts all organisations - even the newly formed and obscure Facilitators for a Better Jamaica - and join with the Jamaica Diaspora UK to help our country and our people overseas.

That is why hundreds of dedicated Jamaicans, from the entire Jamaican diaspora worldwide, will come home at their own expense, to discuss with each other and with representatives of Jamaica's academic, social and political life, how best they can organise themselves to be an asset to their country.

If others do not think that this is the best way forward, then they are entitled to find their own methods of assisting our beloved country. However, I think we can all agree that sniping from the sidelines helps no one.

Patsy Robertson is a media consultant based in London. A Jamaican, she's a former director of information in the Commonwealth Secretariat, was senior media adviser on the Women's Conference in Beijing in 1995, the Beijing+5 conference in 2000 in New York and the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children in 2001.

To our readers: Wesley Barrett's column did not arrive in time
for publication.

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