MARSHALL. a formal networking relationship needs to be established between Jamaica and Jamaicans in the diaspora

The upcoming Diaspora Conference that will be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre from June 16 to 17 is being touted as an opportunity to forge a new relationship between Jamaicans at home and abroad.

"A formal networking relationship between Jamaica and Jamaicans in the diaspora needs to be established, which would redound to the mutual benefit of all," Jamaica's High Commissioner to Canada Carl Marshall told the Canadian conference participants at a recent meeting held at the Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto.

More than 50 Canadians will join participants from the United States, the United Kingdom and Jamaica for the conference, which is being held under the theme 'The Jamaican Diaspora: Unleashing the Potential'.

According to High Commissioner Marshall, Jamaica would be capitalising on the model used by other countries that have relied on some kind of formal networking relationships with their nationals abroad to help them in their economic growth efforts.

Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto Vivia Betton, who also has high hopes for the conference, told the group that it presents a unique opportunity for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and a search for solutions to the challenges facing the country.

Some of the main areas to be covered during the two-day event include:

. education and health,
. the economy,
. tourism, as well as
. law and order.

There are also scheduled presentations from the Customs Department, Immigration and the Registrar General's Department.

The conference, Betton told participants, should provide an opportunity for them to voice their views; and she also assured them that provisions would be made for them to access reports that would emanate from the conference.

Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly Alvin Curling, who is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the closing night's banquet, said he was looking forward to the conference and the concrete plans that would come out of it.

Among the Canadian participants are attorneys, educators, businesspersons, journalists, members of alumni associations, the clergy and heads of community organisations.

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