KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge will meet with members of the Jamaican Diaspora in Paris later Thursday in preparation for the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference set for June.

Terrelonge’s visit to France follows his virtual participation in the Inaugural Regional Diaspora Conference for Continental Europe which was held last December.

This will be his first in-person engagement with the Diaspora in Europe since assuming responsibility for Diaspora Affairs in May 2023.

“I am delighted for this opportunity to engage with my fellow Jamaicans living in Europe, as it remains the commitment of the Government of Jamaica to strengthen Diaspora bonds globally, particularly in non-traditional diaspora locations, and to facilitate the contributions of Diasporans to the various processes underway in support of Jamaica’s economic growth and development. We value the inputs of the Diaspora and look forward to addressing some of their concerns while sharing with them some of the recent policies and programs implemented by the Government,” Terrelonge said.

While extending an invitation to Jamaicans in Europe to attend the Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 16-19 during Thursday’s engagement, the minister will also highlight the expected outcomes of the conference, calling attention to issues of national importance such as education transformation, healthcare improvement and investment opportunities, which help to drive socio-economic development.

The minister said France hosts approximately 1,000 Jamaicans and that there are approximately 5,000 more living across continental Europe including professionals in education and hospitality.

These individuals in France have contributed to the development and sustainability of the French language training program in Jamaica. The programme also facilitates the placement of Jamaican students in French institutions to pursue master’s degrees in French.

Terrelonge, who is also proficient in French, lauded Jamaicans for breaking linguistic and other barriers in France, and for their contributions to French society.

He said with a high degree of professionalism and entrepreneurship, which are characteristic of the indomitable Jamaican spirit, the Diaspora in Europe continues to play a crucial role in helping to strengthen the bilateral relations between Jamaica and France.

“The Government continues to value the level of engagement the Diaspora has had with the Jamaican Embassy in Brussels, and the contributions they make to Jamaica’s profile in France and across the European continent.  They have been integral players in helping to strengthen cooperation in a number of areas, bolstering the bilateral relations shared between Jamaica and France,” Terrelonge explained.

The minister is currently representing Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the 35th Sherpa Ocean Panel Meeting in Paris which began on May 14 and ends Thursday.