Diaspora Partnerships in Action: Inside Jamaica’s 11th Biennial Conference on National Resilience – NY Carib News

by Mell P

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Conference Center from June 14 -18, brought together key stakeholders to advance a shared goal of building a more resilient Jamaica. Recent natural hazards, namely hurricane Melissa exposed national vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for stronger and more adaptive systems. 

The Conference mobilized diaspora expertise, investment, and innovation to support recovery and long-term resilience, with focus on disaster preparedness, food security, resilient infrastructure, and strengthened social systems.

It also promoted diaspora engagement, investment, and reintegration, aligning contributions with Vision 2030 Jamaica and reinforcing the diaspora’s role as a strategic partner in national development.

With over one thousand global visitors and fourteen countries from across the globe in attendance, the conference underscored the desire for collaboration between those in Jamaica and the diaspora at large. 

The conference was staged under the theme: “Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica.” The key objectives included deepening partnerships between Jamaica and its diaspora communities; mobilizing diaspora investment, expertise, and philanthropy; supporting climate resilience, infrastructure rebuilding, and sustainable development; expanding trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation opportunities; and strengthening youth engagement and intergenerational leadership.

Among the principal figures associated with the conference – Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who emphasized the importance of diaspora contributions to Jamaica’s development, and The Honorable Earl Jarrett, who highlighted the conference as a major homecoming and partnership-building opportunity.

The Ceremonial Opening Ceremony on Monday 16, was attended by The Honorable Prime Minister Andrew Holness, his wife, Hon. Mrs. Juliet Holness, Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and other ministers of government.  

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness challenged Jamaicans both at home and abroad to embrace innovation, productivity, and accountability as critical pillars of national resilience. He also noted that:

“There is no other country whose democracy is as strong as Jamaica.” He shared that “over the past eight months, Jamaica has carried grief…but the Jamaican spirit remained strong”.

Holness emphasized that rebuilding after recent climate-related events requires more than infrastructure investment; it demands a collective commitment to transforming systems, strengthening institutions, and fostering a culture that supports sustainable growth. He noted that the diaspora remains one of Jamaica’s greatest assets to provide more skilled labor which the country desperately needs now. He encouraged diaspora leaders to bring expertise, investment, and global perspectives that can accelerate national development.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon said the conference convened at a much-needed time. “Montego Bay has carried the weight of recovery, straddling a difficult path. Our recovery has demanded rebuilding infrastructure, restoring confidence, and a sustainable future for Jamaicans everywhere,” he said.

He closed his speech with a famous quote from Marcus Garvey.

“Up you mighty race, accomplish what you will.”

Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding echoed the call for national unity and collaboration, emphasizing that the challenges facing Jamaica transcend politics and require the collective efforts of all Jamaicans, regardless of where they reside. He emphasized the importance of the diaspora community which acts as a safety net for Jamaicans locally and urged that they never take it for granted. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, underscored the significance of the conference as Jamaica’s premier platform for connecting citizens, decision-makers, investors, and business leaders. She praised members of the diaspora for their continued support of Jamaica, bringing a good message that “For the first time ever, we are oversubscribed.” 

She particularly mentioned the crucial importance of the conference, and that the program was broadly reflective of the diaspora’s views and perspectives and priorities.

Smith shared that 21 projects were recorded on the Day of Service in parishes most affected by hurricane Melissa. Johnson encouraged participants to transform goodwill into practical partnerships that can deliver measurable outcomes. 

Conference Chairman Hon. Earl Jarrett welcomed delegates from around the world and reflected on the conference’s longstanding role as a bridge between Jamaica and its global community. He stressed that the gathering was impressive, with over 1,000 persons registered, which sends “a loud and clear message that the diaspora is committed to development”. 

“The conference is a gathering focused on the possibilities of Jamaica, ” he said.

He noted that for more than two decades, the Diaspora Conference has served as a forum for dialogue, collaboration, and nation-building. Jarrett shared that 80 entities participated in the Marketplace and he was impressed by the students that were present. He encouraged dialogue to enhance development. 

A major highlight of the conference was the vibrant Diaspora Marketplace, which featured a diverse cross-section of Jamaican businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, financial organizations, and community groups. The exhibition floor provided attendees with opportunities to network, explore investment prospects, discover innovative products and services, and forge new partnerships. From technology and agriculture to tourism, health, and creative industries, the marketplace reflected the breadth of opportunities available for collaboration between Jamaica and its diaspora.

Attendees described the conference as both informative and inspiring. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow Jamaicans from across the globe. Participants highlighted the value of networking sessions, panel discussions, and business showcases, noting that the event created meaningful opportunities to exchange ideas and identify solutions to some of Jamaica’s most pressing challenges. Several attendees remarked that the conference reinforced a shared commitment to Jamaica’s future and demonstrated the power of collective action in advancing national development.

As the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference concluded, a common message resonated throughout the sessions, exhibitions, and conversations: Jamaica’s future resilience will be built through partnerships. Whether through investment, knowledge transfer, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, or advocacy, members of the diaspora reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to the nation’s growth and recovery. 

The conference served as a powerful reminder that Jamaicans, regardless of geography, remain connected by a shared vision of a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous Jamaica.