Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service Registers 17 Community Projects for June 18

Seventeen initiatives have so far been placed on the schedule for the Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service, which is set for June 18.

Dr. Sylvanus Thompson, who chairs the Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service and Empowerment Subcommittee, told JIS News that the planned activities cover health care, education and community improvement. He said four of the registered efforts relate to health, another four focus on community development, and nine are education-based.

Two of the health missions, he added, are expected to draw more than 100 medical personnel and volunteers, with some work to begin before the formal day of service.

Dr. Thompson said many of the listed projects are directed at western Jamaican communities that suffered heavy damage from Hurricane Melissa. He noted that most are in St. James, while one is planned for St. Elizabeth, one for Westmoreland, one for Kingston and St. Andrew, and two for St. Mary.

He said delegates were urged this year to place special attention on western Jamaica, a shift from some earlier conferences, because of the scale of the hurricane damage and because the conference is being held in Montego Bay, St. James.

While several projects are being led by diaspora members, Dr. Thompson said residents, organisations and businesses continue to play a major role in helping to deliver them. He said local people have regularly worked alongside diaspora volunteers on service activities.

As an example, he pointed to the 2024 Jamaica Diaspora Conference, when residents joined volunteers at a basic school in John’s Hall, St. James, to repaint the building, carry out small repairs and upgrade the play area.

He also cited backing from the National Education Trust, the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and the Forestry Department, along with assistance from private-sector groups.

The Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service is a key part of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference and is intended to give delegates a practical way to support national development.

“It is an opportunity for delegates attending the conference to go into various communities and give back, to participate in projects in education, community development, healthcare, or any project of their choosing anywhere across the island,” Dr. Thompson said.

Members of the public who want to take part are being asked to sign up as volunteers on the conference website at https://bjdc.mfaft.gov.jm/. Details on all registered projects are posted there, and Dr. Thompson said volunteers may read the descriptions and choose projects that match their interests and abilities.