Diaspora conference opens in Montego Bay as seven overseas Jamaicans honoured

More than 500 delegates from across the globe have assembled at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James for the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which runs from June 14 to 18 under the theme Diaspora Partnerships, Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica.

On the opening day, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge said Jamaicans overseas remain one of the nation's greatest assets. "Through remittances, investments, philanthropy, skills transfer, mentorship, and advocacy, Jamaicans overseas continue to make an invaluable contribution to national development," he said. He added that the diaspora serves as a bridge connecting Jamaica to global markets, opportunities, expertise, and networks, and that policies must draw on reliable data, research, and practical experience from overseas Jamaicans.

Seven members of the global diaspora received the 2026 Governor General's Achievement Awards during a ceremony at the convention centre on Monday, presented by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen. The programme, traditionally focused on Jamaicans in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, has been expanded to recognise residents in Africa, Asia, mainland Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. This year's awardees are Asha Richards, Dr. Richard M. White, Christina McPherson, Lisa Roti, Carl Samuels, Dr. Nickolei Johnson, and Dr. Sandra Collie Durand. Sir Patrick commended their dedication and thanked diaspora members for mobilising resources after Hurricane Melissa, saying, "You were there when we needed you most, and we thank you."

In Trelawny, 74 churches are receiving more than $12 million in grant funding under the government's community churches cleanup and restoration initiative, delivered through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development with support from the Social Development Commission. Minister Desmond McKenzie said the grants help churches recover from Hurricane Melissa damage and noted that the government initially committed $75 million to support 420 churches in five storm-affected parishes, with plans to seek an additional $50 million to extend assistance nationwide.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has begun rolling out community-based support for Jamaica's growing aging population, including trainer workshops for caregivers and pilot geriatric clinics planned for St. Ann and St. Catherine. Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the measures form part of a broader prevention and community healthcare agenda led by Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer at the Mona Aging and Wellness Centre, with support from the University of the West Indies and the Inter-American Development Bank. Cascade Primary and Infant School in Portland has become the first school islandwide to achieve full compliance with the National School Nutrition Policy, a milestone celebrated on Thursday. Principal Iceland Bailey credited parents, staff, and teachers for the collective effort.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. has urged Jamaicans to remain vigilant and report suspected child labour and exploitation. Speaking at the World Day Against Child Labour Jingle Competition Awards Ceremony on Friday, he said keeping children out of school to work is among the clearest warning signs of exploitation and encouraged the public to contact the Child Protection and Family Services Agency's 24-hour hotline at 211.