11th Jamaica Diaspora Conference: Diaspora Investment, Climate Resilience

Jamaicans from across the globe are being encouraged to reconnect, collaborate and contribute to national development through the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, now underway in Montego Bay.

 

The five-day event, which runs from June 14 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, is being held under the theme, Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica.

 

Organisers say the conference is designed to strengthen links between Jamaica and its overseas communities while creating opportunities for investment, knowledge-sharing and collaboration on issues critical to the country's future.

 

According to information published on the official conference website, this year's staging places a strong focus on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, sustainable infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and technology.

 

The organisers note that the gathering comes at a pivotal moment as Jamaica seeks to recover from recent natural disasters while building systems that are better equipped to withstand future shocks. The conference also aims to attract greater participation from younger generations of Jamaicans living overseas, including second, third and fourth-generation descendants interested in maintaining ties with their heritage and contributing to Jamaica's development.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, has described the conference as an opportunity to deepen engagement between Jamaica and its global diaspora.

 

Speaking at the official launch of the event, Johnson Smith said, “The conference will provide a platform for action,” adding that participants will be encouraged to play a more active role in national development through partnerships, investment and innovation. She also expressed confidence that the event would attract strong participation from younger members of the diaspora and help foster new ideas and business opportunities.

 

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, has said the conference is expected to be one of the most impactful stagings to date.

 

Interest in the event has been so strong that in-person registration reached capacity ahead of the opening. Terrelonge told the Jamaica Information Service that demand exceeded available spaces, underscoring the continued commitment of Jamaicans overseas to remain engaged in the country's growth. Organisers hope the conference will generate lasting partnerships, increased diaspora investment and practical initiatives that support Jamaica's long-term resilience and prosperity.