Diaspora Registration Drive Intensifies Ahead of June Conference in Montego Bay

Jamaica’s push to attract delegates for the 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference has entered a stronger phase, with a little more than one month left before the gathering opens.

The event is set for June 14 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.

At the previous staging two years ago, the Government had aimed for 1,000 attendees, and reports indicated that number was surpassed. No attendance figure has been announced this time, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has instructed overseas missions to promote the conference widely, including through social platforms.

Ariel Bowen, who leads the Jamaican Consulate in New York City, said that directive is now guiding outreach activity.

“We will be using various platforms, including our social media platforms, to get the word out into the community. Whenever I attend functions, I remind participants about the upcoming conference and urge them to register,” she said.

Bowen added that the consulate is also using its internal database to circulate details and widen public awareness and participation.

Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the US Northeast, said she expects about 100 people from that region to register.

“I have about 100 people, who have already register for the conference, taking advantage of the early-bird registration fee of US$180,” she said.

She noted that mobilisation is continuing before the discounted rate ends. Tulloch-Neil said the main objective for this year is not a headline attendance count, but the quality of skills, ideas and innovation participants can contribute.

“Our goal is to engage thoughtful, solutions-driven individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the sustainable rebuilding of Jamaica, with a strong focus on strengthening resilience and minimising the impact of future disasters,” she said.

High ticket prices remain one possible obstacle to stronger turnout. Up to now, the ministry’s website has not indicated whether concessionary airfare arrangements were secured with airlines. It has, however, listed concessionary hotel rates at several Montego Bay properties for conference participants.

The website also had not yet posted a conference agenda. Dr Benzie R. Davidson, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the US West-Midwest, said a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday and he expects the agenda to be settled and uploaded afterward.

“I expect this conference to be huge. I already have several groups from the West-Midwest region going to Jamaica before the conference, and so far I have some 75 people who have registered for the conference,” he said.

Davidson also said he is aware of four companies that have indicated interest in booth space. He cautioned, though, that because registrations are being processed through the ministry’s website, no firm total is yet available for eventual booth participation.

David Mullings said he will be attending and that, so far, he has around 12 people registered.

Campaigning for participation is expected to increase further in the coming weeks, with organisers relying on both social media and traditional media channels.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith recently encouraged diaspora members to use the US$180 early-bird offer and the reduced hotel rates. Minister of State Alando Terrelonge has also been visiting diaspora communities in several regions to build support.

Bowen said she believes this year’s conference can rank among the stronger editions held.