Janet Silvera to represent Jamaica on Peace Boat lecture voyage

Janet Silvera, the veteran Jamaican journalist, civic figure and tourism advocate, has been chosen to present three lectures on Peace Boat’s 163rd Voyage. She is the lone Jamaican speaker listed for the organisation’s international learning programme.

Silvera, who chairs Women of Western Jamaica (WOWJa) and has written for The Gleaner for many years, will appear alongside scholars, writers, journalists, filmmakers, musicians and advocates from Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands and Mauritius.

Her invitation comes after former Jamaican Ambassador to Japan Shorna-Kay Richards spoke aboard Peace Boat in 2025 on peacebuilding and nuclear disarmament. Silvera is therefore the second Jamaican in the past year to be asked to lecture on the vessel.

On the June 11-16 voyage, Silvera is scheduled to speak on Women and Youth Empowerment, Tourism as an Economic Powerhouse, and The Evolution of Jamaican Music and Its Global Influence. Her presentations are expected to place Jamaica in wider conversations about resilience, enterprise, innovation and culture, while giving participants a view of the island’s social and economic journey.

“This is a tremendous honour, not only for me personally but for Jamaica,” Silvera said. “To have the opportunity to share Jamaica’s story with an international audience from diverse cultures and backgrounds is something I deeply value. Our country has much to teach the world about resilience, creativity, entrepreneurship and the transformative power of culture,” she said.

Peace Boat, which was established in Japan, operates as an international non-governmental organisation focused on peace, human rights, sustainability and cross-cultural understanding through sea voyages and education. Its lecture series brings in prominent contributors from universities, media, public policy, the creative sector and civil society.

Silvera previously served as a marketing officer at the Jamaica Tourist Board and is widely regarded among Jamaica’s leading tourism journalists. Over almost 40 years, she has reported on tourism, commerce, community growth and social change.

Through WOWJa, as well as projects including the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, Silvera has pushed initiatives that benefit women, young people and education.

In her tourism lecture, she will look at Jamaica’s development into a major world destination and the industry’s contribution to jobs, foreign exchange and national growth. Her music presentation will consider the international reach of ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall, while her empowerment talk will address how developing societies can create more space for women and youth.

Peace Boat’s 163rd Voyage is set to visit destinations around the world, bringing together participants for discussion, cultural exchange and cooperation around a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive future.