Volunteers Sought for Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service Projects Across Western Parishes

Jamaicans are being urged to offer their time to projects planned for the Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service on Thursday, June 18.

The activities will span healthcare, education and community development in several parishes. Organisers say the 2026 effort is placing much of its attention on western Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage.

People who want to take part can review the listed projects at https://bjdc.mfaft.gov.jm/dayofservice/. Dr. Sylvanus Thompson, who chairs the Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service and Empowerment Subcommittee, told JIS News that 17 projects have so far been registered, with information on each project and its lead posted on the conference website.

"There’s a section for volunteers to sign up. When they are signing up, they can choose a project of their own liking," he said.

Dr. Thompson said organisers are especially trying to attract volunteers for community projects that need more hands on the ground. He cited planned repair work at Granville Primary and Infant School as one example.

"We’re going to Granville Primary and Infant School, for example, to do some repairs. We are definitely looking for local volunteers," he said.

He added that the Day of Service will allow Jamaicans overseas and residents at home to collaborate on efforts that support community improvement.

The service initiative is included in the Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference programme, which is aimed at deepening cooperation between Jamaicans locally and in the diaspora while supporting national development.

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference is set for Montego Bay, St. James, from June 14 to 18, under the theme ‘Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica’.