The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference was launched on Thursday with a promise from Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith that it will “be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders” aimed at achieving the national development goals.

During her keynote address, Johnson Smith highlighted the significance of the Diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development, including strategic partnerships in various sectors such as healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors.

She also shared that the ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM) to explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.

Scheduled for June 16 – 19, 2024, at Montego Bay Convention Centre, the conference was launched at the foreign ministry in downtown Kingston.

It will be held under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment’.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica.

Key stakeholders, including conference chairman Courtney Campbell and legacy partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.

As preparations continue for the conference, Jamaicans at home and abroad are encouraged to register and participate.

In a news release after the launch, the foreign ministry said the Government “remains committed to ensuring the success of the conference and looks forward to welcoming attendees to Montego Bay in June”.