JN Group Plans Diaspora Webinar on Jamaican Property Ahead of Biennial Conference

Demand for housing and commercial space, tourism-linked projects, and purchases by overseas Jamaicans building wealth at home are keeping the island’s property sector on an upward path. Against that backdrop, the Jamaica National Group has arranged an online briefing ahead of the diaspora gathering, titled “Securing Your Piece of the Rock,” aimed at nationals abroad and other buyers weighing homes or expanded holdings in Jamaica.

The session is set for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Jamaica time. It sits within the run-up to the eleventh Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which runs June 14 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James. JN Group, the leading legacy partner for this year’s conference, will convene specialists and sector stakeholders online to weigh prospects, risks, and workable moves for investing in Jamaican property from overseas. Organisers say attendees will hear which institutions, professionals, and agencies to engage, and how to reach them while living abroad.

Paulette Simpson, executive for corporate affairs and public policy at JN Group and co-chair of the conference preparatory planning committee, said the theme reflects feedback gathered globally by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. “One of the main areas that Jamaicans abroad wanted to discuss and learn more about was Jamaica’s property market. In response to this, JN has taken the lead to host this webinar,” Ms Simpson stated. “We’re going to be discussing and guiding persons on investing in property in Jamaica because we want everybody to own a piece of the rock.”

Planned coverage includes vetting and acquiring land safely; steps to buy a residence or enter commercial property; mortgage access; property-management choices for overseas-based owners; title matters and disputes over family land; and legal pitfalls to note in transactions. “Part of our role is to ensure that the correct information is given to the diaspora so they can make informed decisions that will benefit themselves, their families and Jamaica as a whole,” Ms Simpson shared.

Confirmed speakers include Elizabeth Stair, real estate broker at JN Properties and former chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Land Agency (NLA); Wanica Purkiss, mortgage broker and former mortgage executive at Jamaica National; Gabrielle Grant Gilpin-Hudson, president of the Realtors’ Association of Jamaica; and Dwayne Berbick, assistant general manager, corporate affairs and public policy at the National Housing Trust (NHT). Additional participants include Dave Hanson, chief product officer for mortgages at JN Bank; Lt Col (Retired) Sean Prendergast, managing director for JN Properties; and Carlton Earl Samuels, chief development financing officer at the JN Group. Other industry figures are also expected.

Organisers anticipate interest from Jamaican communities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and beyond—whether for retirement, relocation, or investment. Mortgage specialist Karon Lewis, acting business relationship manager at JN Bank, will moderate. Viewers may submit comments and questions to the panel during the broadcast.