KINGSTON, Jamaica— Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has argued that the most critical point of intervention for Jamaica by the Diaspora is the support for the youth of the country.  

The Governor General was speaking at the opening of the Jamaica55 Diaspora Conference held on Sunday, where six Jamaicans from the three main Diaspora regions of Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States were presented with The Governor General’s Diaspora Award.

“The great need that Jamaica has today is not with governance structures and institutional capacity building.  But more than ever we need enhancement of our human capital and engagement with our millennials,” Sir Patrick said at the opening.

He noted that young people held the key to a prosperous and secure future, adding  that they should be deliberately and purposefully nurtured and trained, and their potential for activism encouraged, as they are ready for the transformative role which the nation needs.  

“I have seen at close quarters the potential and the activism of our young people, I know that they are ready for the transformative role which the nation needs.  Let us not frustrate them, but bring them into the process,” the Governor General said.

The Diaspora awardees are Donika Jones and Bishop Glenroy Duffus from Canada ; Tanesha Westcarr and Vendrys Henry from the United Kingdom; and Erin Lue-Hing and Joan Pinnock from the US.