On leaving our homeland Jamaica to be a resident in another country, we and our offspring become members of the Jamaican Diaspora. The Diaspora movement seeks to engage all Jamaicans living overseas to know the benefits of its strength and to give back to Jamaica in whatever way possible. The areas of focus are trade, investment, business and philanthropy.

In 2004, the Government of Jamaica accepted the movement and representatives were identified from three major diasporic regions, namely USA, Canada and UK. Presently the representatives include seven Diaspora Advisory Board members: three from the US, two from Canada, and two from UK, who serve as advisors to the minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The representatives are guided by terms of reference developed by the founders, and they serve as collaborators, advisors and galvanisers.

It would be remiss to disregard the major strides that have been made since 2004. Through awareness campaigns, sceptics have become devoted supporters who are actively involved in the movement, new leaders are identified to lead subgroups and regions, and there has been increase in funding for projects in Jamaica. I have witnessed teleconference meetings with participants from around the world, delegations moving to and from diaspora regions and from Jamaica for conferences, summits, workshops, seminars, and training. Today, Jamaica stands above many other countries because of the model that was developed in 2004 to galvanise members for the betterment of the country.

From personal experience, I can confirm that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) relies on the movement’s input for surveys and other diaspora matters. IOM reveres the model and has endorsed the movement.

The Diaspora movement does not compete with other organisations and should not be confused with other not-for-profit organisations; neither was it designed to replace other charitable organisations serving Jamaica. In actuality, collaboration is routine and is practised among Diaspora organisations, businesses and individuals, irrespective of the location and distance. The Diaspora movement has opened doors for public/private partnerships and collaborations with ministries of government, private businesses, Jamaica Teachers’ Association, hospitals and schools in moving towards the realisation of Vision 2030. The quest is continuous to galvanise, empower, mobilise and motivate every member of the Jamaican Diaspora to contribute to the transformation and advancements in the various sectors in Jamaica.

As the 6th Biennial Diaspora Conference under the theme ‘Jamaica and the Diaspora: Linking for growth and prosperity’ draws nigh, over 1,500 members of the Diaspora are expected to converge at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica from June 14 to 18. These members, with the impetus to learn how they can do more for Jamaica, will be taking their expertise back home, committed to offer their services wherever and whenever needed.

Conference at a Glance

June 14: Official opening ceremony and reception, with PM Portia Simpson Miller, offering the keynote address

June 15: Linking the Diaspora with Jamaica’s economic growth

June 16: Harmonising social development and investment

June 17: Linking investment and social priorities

June 18: Diaspora Service Day — members volunteer and share their skills, time and resources in community projects across Jamaica.

I encourage all members of the Diaspora to learn more about the movement and get involved. Do not sit on the fence, take responsibility, take action, and take your energy where it is needed. Take it to Jamaica. One Love!

Leo Gilling is the Diaspora Advisory Board member for US West/Mid-West