WHILE we are understandably preoccupied with local events, we must not lose sight of important events in that part of the Jamaican nation that lives and works overseas.

Our Diaspora is vital to Jamaica’s economic survival cum development because of remittances, investment, travel expenditure and purchase of Jamaican exported goods. They are also important contributors to the good aspects of the reputation of Jamaicans. Their achievements bring pride and glory to all of us and are emblematic of the unlimited potential of Jamaicans.

The Jamaican Diaspora, however, has never exerted the political influence in the adopted countries that their numbers would suggest is possible. There are exceptions, particularly among persons born abroad of Jamaican parents. General Colin Powell is the most prominent example of second generation Jamaicans. On the whole, there have been a few outstanding individuals like United States Congresswomen Ms Evette Clarke and Sheila Jackson Lee and British Member of Parliament Ms Diane Abbott.

Despite these political pioneers, the Jamaican overseas communities have not entered the mainstream of policymaking in their countries of residence.

Last week, a group of Caribbean-Americans led by Jamaican Curtis Ward launched the Caribbean Research and Policy Centre (CRPC), which is a think tank devoted to Caribbean issues. This long overdue development is both timely and important.

In the absence of large resources and a large number of voters, an interest group or foreign government must rely on the quality of their ideas and the effective articulation of those ideas in order to influence US policy.

Herein lies the relevance of a think tank which can be critically important in public policy formation. Ideas started in such forums are propagated in the public domain and in policy circles. With effective advocacy, they could become US policy or influence US policy.

We cannot rely on the existing think tanks because while they all have a Latin American programme, they do not give attention to the Caribbean and do not have Caribbean scholars among their members. Hopefully, the CRPC will give the Caribbean a sustained presence in US policy debates over the full range of issues.

Such an institution has a natural niche but will need to develop a reputation for authoritative research as the foundation for detailed, pragmatic policy recommendations. It faces the challenge of mobilising sufficient financial resources to maintain a small full-time staff and assuaging the egos and jealousies which are pandemic in existing community organisations.

Hopefully it will be understood that the CRPC will complement and strengthen existing Caribbean organisations and is not intended to duplicate or compete with them.