Eleventh Jamaica Diaspora Conference set for Montego Bay in June 2026

Jamaica will host the eleventh biennial Diaspora Conference from 14 to 18 June 2026 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, with the Government framing the event as a platform to draw overseas nationals and friends of Jamaica into national rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, said the conference aims to bring Jamaicans abroad home to support recovery, growth, and sustainable development. He noted strong diaspora support after the storm, with aid flowing from communities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Caribbean, and elsewhere.

Discussions will cover coastal resilience, including plans to improve efficiency in government contracts and rebuilding. Terrelonge said more than 80 per cent of Jamaicans live within five kilometres of the coast, and rebuilding may involve relocating some coastal towns inland and developing new urban centres, schools, and hospitals. Black River, heavily damaged by the hurricane, was cited as an example where global Jamaican expertise could help. Panels will also address investment, partnerships, climate change, disaster resilience, food and water security, and national security.

The Government said it no longer views the diaspora mainly through remittances, but as strategic partners, including second-, third-, and fourth-generation Jamaicans overseas. Technology will feature prominently, with topics such as artificial intelligence and the digital economy. Registration is available online at aitix.app. Delegates will receive radio-frequency identification wristbands to exchange contact details digitally, with data handled under privacy protections.

Legacy partners named include Jamaica National, Grace, and VMBS. Terrelonge said the marketplace will allow on-site business, including banks and mortgage providers such as the National Housing Trust, JN, and VMBS, along with passport and citizenship services. A Wednesday evening empowerment segment will encourage direct support for vendors, including those affected by storm losses. Officials plan to build a database of attendees’ skills and interests to link them with ministries and agencies.

The conference is open to Jamaicans at home and abroad, friends of Jamaica, and international participants. Marketplace booth options range from about US$250 for smaller “bird’s nest” spaces to about US$2,200 for larger booths. Terrelonge said the 2024 conference drew more than 1,200 delegates from 18 countries on some days. For 2026, 73 of 80 marketplace spaces are already booked pending confirmation. Early-bird tickets are priced at US$180 for the four-day event.

Investment themes highlighted include agriculture and food security, property, reconstruction, education, health, logistics, and the creative industries. Conference chair Earl Jarrett of Jamaica National was named alongside additional sponsors. Terrelonge urged early registration as booth and ticket availability is limited.