Holness credits diaspora hurricane relief as Jamaica hosts 11th biennial conference in Montego Bay

Delegates from across the globe have assembled in Montego Bay for the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which runs from June 14 to June 18. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith welcomed attendees on the opening day, describing the gathering as a platform for meaningful dialogue on Jamaica's development.

Johnson Smith said the meeting comes at a critical moment, noting that named and unnamed storms have struck Jamaica since the 2024 conference, most recently Barry and Melissa. She pointed to a planned day of service featuring a record 21 projects in parishes most affected by Melissa.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness praised overseas Jamaicans for their response after Melissa devastated sections of the island. "The call went out and you answered," he told the conference. "From the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Panama, all over. Wherever there were Jamaicans, wherever you planted roots, you responded. You sent funds. You organized relief. You spoke up for Jamaica."

Holness said Jamaicans abroad acted before the conference began, and he thanked them for proving that distance has not weakened ties with home. He also highlighted Jamaica's economic resilience, citing unemployment at about 3.5%, down from roughly 13% a decade ago, and said the challenge now is to harness diaspora skills and investment to build a stronger nation.

In St. Thomas, the Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited is assessing land that could expand housing supply following site visits with the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mackintosh said the review could lead to acquisition of corporation-owned properties. The municipal body plans to subdivide 100 acres this year to support future housing development. HAJ director for technical services Rosemary Brown said the agency must confirm suitability, utility access, and financial viability before accepting land for purchase or development.

Former MSME Alliance president Donovan Wignall said credit unions are now better positioned to finance micro, small, and medium enterprises after the Bank of Jamaica allowed them direct access to the real-time gross settlement system. Jamaica's credit union movement serves roughly one million members and manages assets exceeding 218 billion Jamaican dollars. VM Financial Group Limited listed 2026 preference shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on June 10 after an oversubscribed raise of about 10 billion Jamaican dollars, exceeding its 8.53 billion target by approximately 24%.

In regional health news, Mayo Clinic oncologist Dr. Jeremy Jones warned that early-onset colorectal cancer is rising across the Caribbean. He said the relative risk of developing colon cancer before age 50 has increased by about 50% since 1990, with trends climbing one to two percent each year. Research points to westernized diets and possible changes in gut health as contributing factors.

Citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis lost visa-free access to Ireland on June 15 under a policy announced on June 11 by Irish Migration Minister Colm Brophy. The change also affects St. Lucia and Nicaragua. Travellers with arrangements made before June 15 may transit through Ireland until July 14.

In sport, Cricket West Indies named a 15-member squad for a two-Test series against Sri Lanka beginning June 25 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, with Roston Chase as captain. Joshua Da Silva and Amir Jangoo were recalled, and fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shermar Joseph return after injury. The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association will stage national championships from June 18 to 21 at the National Stadium, including under-15 multi-events for the first time. At the FIFA World Cup on June 16, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 and France beat Senegal 3-1.