KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge, is inviting Jamaicans abroad to attend the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference scheduled for June 16 to 19.

“Come home to a time of purpose and fun as you take your families for rest and relaxation, reconnection, engagement and networking, and exposure to a range of government services and private-sector services,” he said.

Terrelonge made the appeal during a virtual ceremony on Saturday, to honour Jamaican pioneers in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event, dubbed ‘Our Stories, Jamaican Pioneers in Georgia’, was conceived and organised by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Atlanta and Real Estate Broker, Dr Elaine Bryan.

The conference is scheduled to take place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s transformation: fostering peace, productivity and youth empowerment’.

Terrelonge, who has responsibility for diaspora affairs, said that an exciting programme of activities has been designed for the conference by a team at the ministry.

“Let us together delve into areas essential to our nation’s progress, such as health, tourism, sports, security, peace and productivity; how you our diaspora can achieve even greater levels of success as immigrants in your adopted country,” he said.

He said that the conference will be infused with exciting features, such as cultural expositions and “our rich music, art, and ‘nuff’ vibes throughout”.

“The popular Government at Your Service booths will be present to allow those of you who need certain services, such as passports, birth certificates and citizenship documents to have your applications processed and fast-tracked at the conference,” he said.

Additionally, Terrelonge said that individuals would be able to pay their property taxes and to register a business in Jamaica.

Other activities at the conference will include the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards for the Diaspora. People in the diaspora can nominate individuals in their communities for the award. Deadline for submission is March 31.

“The awards underscore our Government’s firm endorsement of activities that recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of our diaspora members,” Terrelonge said.

He noted that information pertaining to registration, accommodation and airline rates will be unveiled at the global launch of the conference, scheduled to take place on April 4, 2024, at the ministry’s Headquarters, 2 Port Royal Street, in downtown Kingston.

-JIS