Momentum is building for the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, with official launch events held across South Florida and New York—two of the most influential hubs of the global Jamaican community.
Led by Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the engagements form part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties between Jamaica and its diaspora ahead of the conference’s staging in Montego Bay from June 14–18.
These efforts signal a renewed focus on structured diaspora engagement—positioning the conference not just as a gathering, but as a platform for long-term collaboration and national development.
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U.S. Launch Events Build Momentum
The official U.S. rollout began in South Florida before moving to New York, bringing together members of the diaspora through a series of hybrid engagements designed to preview the upcoming conference and deepen connections.
In Florida, stakeholders gathered for a launch event that outlined the conference agenda and highlighted opportunities for diaspora involvement across investment, philanthropy, and knowledge exchange—reinforcing the diaspora’s role as a key driver of national development.
The outreach continued in New York, widely regarded as a model diaspora community, where Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, convened a hybrid Town Hall at the Consulate General of Jamaica New York. The session brought together Jamaicans both in person and online, creating space for direct dialogue on national priorities and diaspora engagement.
Beyond promoting the conference, discussions also addressed Jamaica’s ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, with updates on rebuilding initiatives and acknowledgement of the diaspora’s continued support.
New Diaspora Representatives Signal a New Chapter
This year’s conference build-up comes at a pivotal moment, following the recent election of new representatives to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and its youth arm.
The newly elected cohort, drawn from key regions including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, reflects a shift towards broader participation and renewed leadership across the diaspora. The elections, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, underscore a commitment to strengthening representation while expanding youth involvement in national development efforts.
Together, these representatives are expected to play a critical role in shaping conversations, policies, and partnerships that will emerge from the conference—bridging the gap between Jamaicans at home and abroad.
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Looking Ahead to Montego Bay
All roads now lead to Montego Bay, where the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will take place from June 14–18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
Held under the theme “Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica,” the conference is expected to bring together policymakers, business leaders, and members of the diaspora to engage in meaningful dialogue, forge partnerships, and contribute to Jamaica’s long-term growth agenda.
With a focus on rebuilding, resilience, and collaboration, the event will also emphasise the diaspora’s role in supporting recovery efforts and advancing climate resilience across the island.
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A Global Community, A Shared Future
With new diaspora representatives now in place and momentum building across key international cities, the 2026 conference represents more than a gathering—it marks a coordinated effort to align Jamaica’s global community with its national priorities.
From Florida to New York and ultimately Montego Bay, the message is clear: the diaspora is not on the sidelines—it is central to Jamaica’s future.