Diaspora conference focuses on health and education – Jamaica Information Services

The 10th biennial Diaspora Conference will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 16 to 19, with a special focus on health and education.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Alando Terrelonge, told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) “think tank” that special sessions would be held to discuss health care and education.

Themed “Partnering with the Diaspora to Transform Jamaica’s Health System,” the health conference will delve into innovative approaches, technology integration and capacity-building initiatives to address healthcare challenges and promote the health of all Jamaicans.

The forum will also explore how the expertise, resources and networks of the diaspora can be harnessed to foster partnerships that will strengthen Jamaica’s health system and bring it in line with national goals and global standards.

“We will have senior medical practitioners from the diaspora as panelists (focusing on health care) and we will also have senior medical practitioners from Jamaica so that communication can take place between the diaspora and Jamaica,” Mr Trelongo said.

Meanwhile, a plenary session on education will bring together educators, industry leaders, policymakers and the diaspora.

It will explore the strategies, challenges and collaborative efforts to integrate digital tools, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) curriculum and experiential learning approaches into the Jamaican education system.

In addition, a breakout session titled “Customs and You” will focus on how expatriates can make charitable donations to the health and education sectors.

“In this special session, we will be discussing with members of the National Education Trust (NET) and the Healthcare Promotion Foundation how to provide your goods and services to charitable organisations. NET will also advise you on how to bring these goods and items into Jamaica, taking into account the specific exemptions that Jamaican Customs will provide,” said Mr Terrelonge.