Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), Alando Terrelonge, says he welcomes his new role at the ministry, especially as it relates to the links with communities within the Jamaican Diaspora.

Current MFAFT minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, reiterated Terrelonge’s sentiments stating that the ministry’s staff welcomes the state minister’s appointment, “and believes it will bring renewed energy and valuable expertise to the ministry, especially as it relates to the Diaspora”.

“His skill sets and dedication to public service will undoubtedly add great value to our work, and in support of national development,” the senator added.

She also explained that Terrelonge’s new role at the ministry includes a significant focus, working with the Jamaica Diaspora and recognising their invaluable contributions, addressing their concerns and optimising the new global councils.

“His expertise in working with the Jamaican Diaspora, and his experience in public service, will be of great value, as we enhance our engagements with Jamaicans living overseas,” she added.

Terrelonge has held junior minister positions in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MEYI) as well as the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES), prior to joining Senator Johnson Smith’s team at MFAFT.

Even more interesting, the junior minister said, was the fact that he has been welcomed by the minister, herself, and the staff of the ministry which is based downtown Kingston.

Terrelonge expressed his enthusiasm for the new role he has been given in the most recent shuffle of ministers and junior ministers of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which specifically targeted areas of governance which needed a new level of support.

“It is truly an honour to serve my nation and the people of Jamaica in this capacity,” he said about his new job, which gives him direct portfolio responsibility for diaspora affairs.

After taking on the new appointment, Terrelonge was assigned to represent the ministry at engagements at the United Nations in New York, at which he made a presentation on reparation, as well as the rights of young girls of Afro-descent in the Caribbean. He also attended a U.N. meeting at which Dennis Francis, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to the UN, was elected to chair the institution’s 78th session, which begins in September.

The state minister returned home from his stay in New York, recently, after visiting the office of the Jamaican Consul General, and met with “second, third and fourth generation Jamaicans in the city ”who require consular services, including passport renewals.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engage and work with the Diaspora, while encouraging residents to get involved in Diaspora activities, “as we get together to build stronger Jamaican communities both in the Diaspora, and at home”.

Balford Henry