WASHINGTON, DC, USA — Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Ralph Thomas has urged members of the diaspora to participate more fully in the development and growth of Jamaica.

Addressing a reception held in his honour at the St Gregory Hotel here in Washington recently, Ambassador Thomas said that this could be done by engaging in wealth creation and investment, which he said is an important role that is being performed by foreign investors but which can be broadened to include diaspora investors.

According to the ambassador, there are a myriad of investment opportunities available in Jamaica that diaspora members could avail themselves of.

“I will be working with the diaspora to build bridges and connections between people, communities, institutions and Government to connect with Jamaica in different ways so that they can benefit from these opportunities that currently exist with respect to the issue of economic empowerment,” he said.

The Jamaican Government, he added, is committed to seeing that the role of the diaspora fully evolves as a centerpiece for national development strategy.

Ambassador Thomas also used the opportunity to laud the diaspora for continuing to provide invaluable support and assistance to the process of nation building.

“Today, I formally, on behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, express sincere thanks to you, members of the diaspora, for all that you have done and will continue to do so in the years to come for the Jamaica people everywhere,” he said.

During the reception, Maryland Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam presented Ambassador Thomas with a State of Maryland Resolution, officially welcoming him to his new post.

The reception was attended by Jamaicans in the diaspora, representatives of federal and state government and members of the diplomatic corp.