Montreal Jamaicans head to Diaspora Conference with purpose

The Jamaica Association of Montreal (JAM) said it intends to leverage discussions at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference to drive deeper diaspora involvement in national development.

Sharon Nelson, who assumed the role of president of the association in December 2025, leads a 10-member team from the Montreal-based organisation to Jamaica for the conference, scheduled for June 14 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James. They will join hundreds of delegates from across the world. 

 Nelson, who is also the chair of the Canadian contingent of the Electoral Committee that oversaw recent elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), said the association’s representatives are eager to explore topics affecting Jamaicans both at home and abroad.

“We hear what’s happening there through the news, but by being there, we can bring that information back to the diaspora, share what we saw and experienced, and identify ways to offer further support,” she said.

Among the priority areas for the Montreal delegation is the recovery effort following Hurricane Melissa that devastated lives and communities. 

“We want to understand what has happened nine months later. The Montreal delegation has added our bit to helping in the recovery and it is important for us to go and see what has been done, what the needs are and what more can be done because it is a massive undertaking,” she said.

Security, healthcare and real estate investment are also high on the agenda, as many Jamaicans in Canada are increasingly concerned about the quality of life they can expect when investing in or returning to Jamaica.

According to  Nelson, partnerships with entities such as the JN Bank Canada Representative Office have been helping to address some of these concerns, particularly as they offer guidance, vetted connections and financial solutions tailored to diaspora needs.

The partnership with JN she added has also opened avenues for financial stability and independence, through discussions around home ownership, savings and long-term wealth building linked to Jamaica.

She said the diaspora group welcomes JN Group as this year’s co-chair of the conference, especially as the JN Bank Canada Representative Office has become a critical bridge for Jamaicans living overseas, serving as a familiar and trusted entry point for accessing financial and support services based in Jamaica.

“Sometimes it’s so hard to get help when you’re so far away from your country and having the JN Bank Representative Office as a partner and part of our events is critical for many reasons,” she explained, adding that “for us it’s vital to keep every connection that is associated with Jamaica because it further highlights what they do and assist members in a very important way that we may not even think of.” 

She added that the partnership has made it easier for Jamaicans in Montreal to support relatives, pursue investment opportunities and maintain critical economic ties with Jamaica.

“It’s not just about business; it’s about connecting, building relationships and finding ways to work together. We’ve always had a fantastic relationship with JN, and it’s significant that they are playing a leading role at the Diaspora Conference this year. We look forward to continuing that partnership because it is key to building Jamaica and strengthening the role of the diaspora in its development,” she said.

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will bring together Jamaicans and stakeholders from across the globe to engage on several issues, while strengthening collaboration between the diaspora and key institutions. Jamaicans across the diaspora, including Canada, are encouraged to participate in the event, which offers a valuable opportunity for people to connect, share perspectives and play a more active role in Jamaica’s growth.