Diaspora members gather in worship to kick off 10th biennial conference – Jamaica Information Service

Montego Bay, June 16 (Xinhua)

The 10th Biennial Conference opened on Sunday (June 16) with members of the diaspora gathering at the Burchell Memorial Baptist Church in St James, Montego Bay, for worship and thanksgiving services.

The conference, scheduled for June 19 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, will bring together Jamaicans from more than 15 countries to discuss issues related to national development and social progress. More than 1,100 people have registered to attend the event.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, welcomed the participants and thanked members of the diaspora for their participation and contribution.

She encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities provided during the conference and thanked them for making the opening ceremony a “special and inspiring” event.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and External Trade in charge of Diaspora Affairs, Alando Terrelonge, stressed the importance of unity among Jamaicans at home and abroad and described the conference as the “spirit of One Jamaica”.

He noted that many people who left Jamaica decades ago are now returning to their home country, which is experiencing unprecedented growth and development, and that these people are key to Jamaica’s continued progress.

“Overseas Chinese are returning to China as thought leaders and industry players, not only playing their part in national development but also taking advantage of the huge investment opportunities,” Mr Trelong said.

He added: “I hope you guys continue to focus on this great positive energy, and today you saw the power of the diaspora here supporting (the country).”

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang highlighted the global strength and character of the Jamaican diaspora, arguing that this enhances the reputation of “Brand Jamaica”.

The 10th Jamaica Diaspora Conference is held every two years under the theme “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Promoting Peace, Productivity and Youth Empowerment”.

The event aims to engage the diaspora, stakeholders from various sectors and local leaders to explore collaborative strategies to address key challenges and seize opportunities for change.