MONTEGO Bay, St James — Opposition Leader Mark Golding has called for members of the Jamaican Diaspora to be given greater opportunities to participate in national development through appointments to public boards, arguing that their expertise and commitment to the country can strengthen governance and public administration.

He was addressing the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Tuesday.

“I would encourage mechanisms to be established to facilitate your presence and participation on public boards in the country. There are over 100 of them, and they cover a wide array of very important activities,” Golding told delegates.

He argued that such participation could be achieved without the need for legislative changes.

This year’s conference is being held under the theme, ‘Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica’. The Opposition leader praised the event’s continued growth, noting that the tradition began in 2004 and has evolved into a major forum bringing together Jamaicans from across the globe to share ideas, experiences and contribute to national development.

He paid tribute to former Senator Delano Franklin for his role in helping establish the conference in its early years.

Golding described the Diaspora as one of Jamaica’s greatest assets, highlighting its significant contribution to the country’s economy and social well-being.

“It has been said many times and in many different ways, but the reality is that Jamaica and the Jamaican family, we are a global people,” he said.

“Our country is blessed with this large reservoir of talent, of resources, of persons with a strong emotional connection to yaad that we call the Diaspora,” he added.

According to Golding, the Diaspora remains Jamaica’s most important source of foreign exchange earnings and serves as a critical support system for countless families.

“You are, de facto, the most important social safety net that keeps Jamaica and Jamaican society on an even keel,” he said.

While commending members of the Diaspora for their ongoing support, Golding also used the occasion to call on the Government to prioritise recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island as a Category 5 system on October 28, 2025.

“We are still feeling the residue of Hurricane Melissa,” he said, noting that many Jamaicans continue to face severe hardships months after the disaster.

Golding pointed to reports of high absenteeism in schools, struggling businesses, and families still living under tarpaulins in sections of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover, southern St James, Trelawny and parts of St Ann.

“Our priorities must be to restore the lives and livelihoods of those who are still suffering from that hurricane,” he said.

He urged the Government, through the National Recovery and Reconstruction Authority (NaRRA) and other agencies, to accelerate assistance to affected communities.

“Prioritise the restoration of broken lives. Let these people get back on their feet so they can make their contribution to national development,” Golding said.