Record Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay Draws Over 1,000 Delegates from 15 Nations

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Earl Jarrett, who chairs the 11th Jamaica Diaspora Conference and leads The Jamaica National Group, said the gathering offered overseas Jamaicans what he called the "greatest homecoming experience," framing their collective backing of the island as a broader "movement."

Held every two years, the conference has now marked its largest edition in a 22-year run. More than 1,000 Jamaicans and supporters of the country from 15 nations took part in sessions at the Montego Bay Convention Centre between June 14 and 18.

The programme ran under the theme "Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica." Panels and working sessions covered investment, return residency, agriculture, education, philanthropy, technology, security, youth engagement, disaster response, and climate resilience.

Jarrett said delegates shaped the agenda through direct participation, with the schedule also guided by a survey that captured what diaspora members wanted addressed. That input, he explained, was meant to keep talks focused on issues they ranked as priorities.

He linked the unprecedented attendance to a widening commitment among Jamaicans abroad to help build national strength and withstand shocks. What began as families overseas helping relatives at home, he argued, has grown into something larger.

That shift showed clearly after Hurricane Melissa, the category five storm that struck Jamaica in October 2025, Jarrett said.

"You have all organically created these institutions abroad in support of your schools, communities, families, and Jamaica itself," he said, saluting diaspora giving. "Those many containers and others that were received was because of your own efforts. And when I saw videos of persons who came to donate, it wasn't just you, but also your friends and neighbours. Those are the friends of Jamaica who, I would say, are a part of the diaspora movement, and if we were to incorporate all of them, we would have a really really massive movement," he emphasised, pointing out that, along with its diaspora, Jamaica is six million people strong.

Jarrett thanked the Government and partner organisations for helping deliver a smooth conference. He stressed, however, that lasting value would depend on follow-through. "It's not just about coming here together, which is a good thing too, because it's good to convene," he said. The real test, he added, lies in resolving the problems raised — citing earlier Government steps to streamline bureaucracy after complaints surfaced at previous gatherings.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge, who handles diaspora affairs, backed that push to turn talk into results.

In his closing remarks, Terrelonge said, "the true value of our discussions will be measured not by the quality of the conversations alone, but by the actions we take in the weeks, months, and years ahead."