As she prepared for a second run as representative for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council’s (GJDC) southern United States, Janice McIntosh followed the devastation in Jamaica caused by Hurricane Melissa.

McIntosh, one of six candidates to lead the 13-state bloc, said the Category 5 hurricane showed the importance of establishing ties with Jamaicans and their diaspora.

“The main focus of my candidacy is to strengthen the connection between Jamaicans in the southern region and decision-makers in Jamaica by ensuring the diaspora is organised, heard and meaningfully engaged,” she told Observer Online.

“I believe the diaspora is one of Jamaica’s greatest untapped assets. My focus is on building stronger ties, through communication, coordination and collaboration, so that diaspora voices, skills and resources can help shape Jamaica’s social and economic development in a more intentional and sustainable way,” McIntosh added. “I feel this more now with the passing of a Category 5 hurricane that brought out the serious needs in Jamaica.”

Voting in the GJDC elections is scheduled to start on January 28 and close on February 20. Winners in the three US regions and Canada will be announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

McIntosh’s rivals to lead the southern region are Zoe Chin Loy, Gillian Murray, Jayonne Richards, Kady Edwards-Campbell and Rosemarie Roth. The winner will replace Peter Gracey, who was elected in 2023.

Born in Kingston, she has lived in South Florida since 2009. Eleven of those years were spent as Jamaica National Bank’s chief representative officer, which required her to liaise regularly with Jamaicans back home.

She was also active in Lauderhill, home to the largest Jamaican community in South Florida. McIntosh believes that rounded experience is an advantage going into the election which is decided by registered online voters.

“I bring a people-centred and highly engaged approach to diaspora representation. I am accessible and actively connected to diaspora organisations, community leaders, professionals, youth, and seniors,” she noted. “I don’t see the role as ceremonial, I see it as active bridge-building, listening and follow-through.”

The GJDC southern United States region comprises Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Elections for the GJDC are also being held for the US northeast, which comprises 13 states plus Washington DC, and the West Midwest which has 24 states. There are 16 candidates to represent Canada.

Representatives for each region have regular discussions with the foreign ministry on issues affecting Jamaicans in their areas, as well as share policy ideas.