Jamaica Diaspora Conference Supplement 2015

A WEEKLY GLEANER SPECIAL

Messages

The Conference marks a critical juncture in the Diaspora engagement process – PM I

AM delighted to participate in today’s Official Media Launch for the staging of the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference to be held in June, in Montego Bay. Jamaica can be considered to be a borderless country with approximately 2.8 million people here on ‘the Rock’ and an estimated 3 million abroad.

As Jamaicans, no matter where we reside, we always remain committed to our beloved nation.

This has been demonstrated in a number of ways: • Through the unwavering support shown to our artistes, and sportsmen and women as they perform on the world stage; • In the contributions made to educational institutions; • By the provision of wellneeded medical equipment and supplies for the health sector; • As well as through remittances to family and friends.

According to a Study conducted by the Jamaican Diaspora Institute, Diaspora

contributions to the Healthcare and Education Sectors amounted to US$10 million over the three-year period ending in 2014.

An estimated 132 healthcare groups send an average of 200 medical missions from the Diaspora to Jamaica each year.

Diaspora groups have also made meaningful contributions to hospitals, health centres, schools and other educational institutions.

In addition, the Diaspora education and healthcare interest groups have developed a collaborative framework with several Ministries.

Through partnerships with the Ministries of Education and Health, for example, they continue to work for the benefit of our children and protection of the vulnerable in our society.

I want to make special mention of the work of the Diaspora Education Taskforce.

This group emerged as a recommendation from the 5th Biennial Diaspora Conference in 2013. The Taskforce is advancing a long term plan to support

Contributed Professor Neville Ying, Director of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute (right) with (from left) Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ambassador Paul Robotham, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator A.J. Nicholson and President of JAMPRO Diane Edwards, at the launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Conference held February 20, 2015.

for the education Sector.

The outstanding efforts of health practitioners in the Diaspora locations are also deserving of commendation.

These are tangible examples of the commitment of members of the Diaspora to our nation and the welfare of our people.

This Administration continues to recognise the importance of the Diaspora to Jamaica’s development.

The engagement process was started in earnest around 1993 with the implementation of a Charter for Long-Term Returning Residents.

The Charter addressed the major concerns of those Jamaicans who desired to return home to retire, invest and share their skills acquired overseas.

I am aware that a number of Returned Citizens, some of whom are in the audience today, have benefited from the facilities established under the Charter.

Since the initial efforts to reintegrate members of the Jamaican family overseas, the Government has developed a number of other initiatives.

These are all aimed at

Please see JUNCTURE, 18

Attend, Participate, Enjoy!

P

LANS ARE in now high gear for the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference to be held from June 13 to 18 in Montego Bay. I am urging all members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United Kingdom to make every effort to attend and participate in what is set to be an exciting programme of activities at this Global forum.

The theme for the Conference is: “Jamaica and the Diaspora Linking for Growth and Prosperity”.

This year’s programme will include a range of discussions, a Marketplace Exposition, fasttracked government services and a variety of special events and entertainment. The activities will conclude with the expanded Diaspora Day of Service during which members of the Diaspora can develop and execute projects in communities of their choosing, around the island.

The Conference will recognise the importance of the Jamaican Diaspora movement to the country’s development.

Diaspora groups have made and continue to make meaningful contributions to hospitals, health centres, schools and educational institutions as well as to many communities across the island.

The Conference is also an excellent opportunity for the UK Diaspora to raise issues of concern with senior government Ministers and other Jamaican officials as well as to network with Diaspora members from across the world.

Against this background, I am pleased to extend an invitation to you to attend this year’s conference and I looking forward to seeing you in Montego Bay in June.

Aloun Ndombet-Assamba High Commissioner

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

MAY 14 - 20, 2015 • 13

diasporafeature

Diaspora urged to increase investment in Jamaica M INISTER OF State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnaldo Brown, has reiterated his call for increased investment in the country from Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

“International investment is already taking place in Jamaica … as the Chinese are here, the Belgians are here, the Spanish, among many others are here…but we want Jamaicans to invest in Jamaica,” the State Minister said.

He was addressing a special Western Region Stakeholder Briefing on the upcoming 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held on May 7, at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay. He said the Government is interested in attracting more Diaspora direct investment “because it is our view that Jamaicans in the Diaspora … will allow their monies to percolate in the economy and will be interested in the overall development of Jamaica and

not just profit-making”.

“The Diaspora are fiercely committed to Jamaica … and nurse the desire to return here,” he pointed out.

The State Minister said the Government recognises the importance of partnership between Jamaica and its Diaspora in the process of nation building.

He noted that the upcoming conference will be an integral part of efforts to encourage and facilitate the Diaspora’s contribution to the growth and development agenda, and will provide an opportunity to take the Jamaica-Diaspora engagement to yet another level.

“We have our challenges but this is enormous potential and opportunity for the astute businessman or woman, who can see that we are on a trajectory for growth and prosperity,” the State Minister asserted.

Arnaldo Brown

Rudolph Brown/Photographer Pauline Smith (second left), head of the Network of Women, explains the uses of mushrooms to Ambassador Paola Amadei (second right), head of the European Union Delegation and Denise Herbol (right), Mission director of USAID. Also pictured are from left: chef Kent Bayington, who is creating mushroom recipes for the Network of Women for Food Security; Gregory Walter and Denise Walter.

Diaspora Conference Features Social Enterprise Opportunities – JN A CRITICAL ELEMENT of the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will be an array of business and social enterprise options, which members of the extended national community can access, says Leon Mitchell, Assistant General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

Started in 2004 to involve the Diaspora more comprehensively in the economic, social, political and cultural Aahhh! The sweet smell of commerce. JNBS Foundation chairman Earl life in Jamaica, Mr. Mitchell Jarrett follows his nose when it comes to business. Here he tests out a dissaid Jamaica National supplay at the JNBS/SEBI Social Enterprise Summit held in New Kingston on ports this Conference’s, Monday, January 26, 2015. Indistry Minister Anthony Hylton is beside Jarrett. “sharpened focus on business and social enterprise options, Saffrey Brown, General market linkages. which enhances the value of Manager of the JN Rose Miller, Grants the Diaspora Movement.”

Foundation, pointed out that Manager at the JN Noting that the Diaspora the subsequent development Foundation, said one such Conference was now effecof the Social Enterprise Boost SEBI partnership opportunity tively a part of the developInitiative (SEBI), which she is through the Diaspora ment programme for the had introduced at the Youth Connect project which Jamaican community, 2013 Diaspora provides guidance to young the Assistant Conference, will be entrepreneurs on the island.

General Manager made available to “This programme harstated that, “This participants at this nesses the talents of Diaspora practical developyear’s conference. volunteers who can offer mental thrust The three-year inimentorship and training for has positive tiative, funded by the young entrepreneurs in chalimplications for United States Agency lenged communities,” Miller improving ecofor International explained. “The aim is to help nomic outcomes Development (USAID), them to identify and form a and further projectbusiness, develop business ing Brand Jamaica on a Mitchell tackles the fall-off in donations and grant funding to plans, as well as to promote global scale.” non-governmental organizatheir business.”

He pointed to the new tions and civic groups, by The Grants Manager noted Diaspora Mapping Project, building profitable business that youth unemployment is a which began last year, with enterprises in order to supmajor problem in Jamaica; the aim to determine the locaport their social missions. and, therefore, this protion, interest and skills of The first SEBI Summit was gramme, done in partnership members of the Diaspora, so held recently in Jamaica, with CUSO International, will that those with special skills hosting enterprises such as provide skilled Diaspora and experiences can be more Alpha Boys School, New members with the opportueasily located to fill jobs in Horizon Skills Training nity to address this challenge.

Jamaica.

Centre and Daughters of “Jamaica and the Diaspora DONATIONS Indigo, while featuring speakneed to collaborate closely to ers from Jamaica, the United ensure that the overall needs Another practical enhanceStates of America, and the of the community are fulment is the formalisation of United Kingdom, Brown said. filled,” Mitchell said. the process of making chari“Currently, the United “Jamaica National plays a table donations, which was Kingdom has the leading pivotal role in its links with carried out through the social enterprise movement in Jamaicans in the Diaspora, Jamaican Charities Act of the world, and there is much mounting events, such as the 2013. we are seeking to learn from annual Outlook for the Future “These are two solid them.” series, which starts in the Diaspora Conference outShe said the SEBI has posiUnited Kingdom in July this comes, which are enhancing tive implications for those in year. And, the Society is the lives of Jamaicans,” the the Diaspora as it offers pleased to assist in fostering Assistant General Manager opportunities for donating some of the new options said, adding that, “The new skills and expertise; as well being developed through the thrust has also pushed as, providing options for Diaspora Conference,” he Jamaica National in new developing partnerships and said. directions.”

14 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

MAY14-20, 2015 • 15

diasporafeature

Scope of Jamaica Diaspora Conference broadened KINGSTON (JIS): HE 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, to be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, from June 13 to 18, is being positioned as a global forum to mobilise Jamaicans worldwide.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the scope of the conference is being broadened with the vision to attract members of the Diaspora outside of the traditional areas of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

“We are cognisant of the fact that Jamaicans reside in every corner of the globe; therefore, broadening the scope of the conference is a step in the right direction,” she said.

The prime minister made the remarks in a speech read by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator A.J. Nicholson, at the launch of the 2015 Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, on February 20.

Simpson Miller said she is also pleased that the event is no longer “simply issues-based, but also results-oriented.”

“This approach allows us to come together to chart the way forward for the growth and prosperity of this blessed nation. It also sets the stage for our discussions to be translated into action,” she said.

Meanwhile, Simpson Miller lauded the Diaspora for its unyield-

T

16 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

ing support to Jamaica, pointing out that her administration continues to recognise the importance of the movement to the country’s development.

EDUCATION The prime minister noted that the Diaspora has contributed over US$10 million to the health and education sectors over the threeyear period ending in 2014.

Also, an estimated 132 healthcare groups send an average of 200 medical missions from the Diaspora to Jamaica each year, she informed.

“Diaspora groups have also made meaningful contributions to hospitals, health centres, schools and other educational institutions. In addition, the Diaspora education and healthcare interest groups have developed a collaborative framework with several Ministries,” the prime minister pointed out.

She noted that in recognition of the Diaspora’s contributions and importance, the Government has developed a number of initiatives in an effort to reintegrate members of the Jamaican family currently living overseas.

Simpson Miller said the initiatives, which include the establishment of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation and the Jamaica Diaspora Institute, are all aimed at raising the level of engagement with the Diaspora.

In his remarks, state minister for

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnaldo Brown, said the 2015 Biennial Conference will take place within the context of the Government’s efforts to spur economic growth, job creation, employment and social development.

Brown, who has responsibility for the Diaspora, said these efforts are being made within a framework where the Government is seeking to harmonize the requirements of the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility, the core goals of Vision 2030, and the Medium Term Economic priority areas.

“In this regard, Jamaica and its Diaspora need to collaborate to achieve short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives for growth, development and prosperity,” he argued.

In the meantime, Brown said this year’s programme has been shaped to give greater emphasis to the mutual benefits to Jamaica and its Diaspora and to expand the global reach of the Diaspora consistent with the new Diaspora policy that is being developed.

INVESTMENT He further informed that there will be two focal areas for this year’s forum, which are investment and trade and social services. Key areas of focus will include education, health, and the creative

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

industries.

Brown said the expected outcomes include expressions of interest; commitment for specific investment; equity investment through the main and junior markets of the Jamaica Stock Exchange; and human capital utilising Diaspora skills and expertise for major projects for economic growth and job creation.

The 2015 Diaspora Conference is being held under the theme: ‘Jamaica and the Diaspora: Linking for Growth and Prosperity’.

Signature features will include the ‘Marketplace Exposition’, featuring a range of local businesses and brands from various sectors, and the ‘Government at Your Service’, which is a collaboration of public sector agencies offering attendees fast-tracked government services.

The ‘Diaspora Day of Service’ has been significantly broadened in scope in an effort to encourage civic-minded Jamaicans to offer their time, skills and resources to various community projects.

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

diasporafeature Diaspora outreach yet to zoom in on Winnipeg police chief

Rudolph Brown/Photographer Chief Devon Clunis, of the Winnipeg Police Service and Inspector Sonia Thomas of Toronto Police Service speak at the Gleaner’s Editors forum on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

Daraine Luton Gleaner Reporter DESPITE BEING a Jamaican and the first black man to be appointed a police chief in Canada, the Government’s efforts at diaspora engagement are yet to include a direct outreach to Devon Clunis, head of the Winnipeg Police Service.

A son of Harmony Vale in St Ann, Clunis is making only his third visit to the island since migrating in 1975 at the age of 11 years old. His first time back was 1989, and then last year the Canadian High Commission brought him back to the island.

Asked if there were efforts made by the Jamaican authorities to reach out to him and others to return and contribute to their country, Clunis said “not directly”.

The Jamaica-born chief of police in Winnipeg, along with a delegation from the North American country, was in the island recently on a humanitarian mission offering assistance to

Missionaries of the Poor and the Jessie Ripoll Primary School in Kingston.

JOINT EFFORT “This initiative is something that we organise with the Canadian High Commission. There is a huge passion for the country. There are many Jamaicans in my city. There is a passion to come back and help the country,” Clunis said.

Arnaldo Brown, the minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has said that Jamaica values its diaspora and has been moving to include them in its affairs.

Last year, Jamaica launched a diaspora mapping project, the objective of which is to determine the location, interest and skills of members of the diaspora while building the Jamaican Government’s capacity to

more effectively and strategically engage its diaspora.

Brown said the project would allow the Government to be in a better position to engage Jamaicans in the diaspora and to utilise their skills in areas that are critical to the development of the country.

However, it appears that many Jamaicans of standing are still falling under on the radar of the Jamaican authorities.

Inspector Sonia Thomas from the Toronto Police was born in Canada, but both of her parents are from Montego Bay, St James.

Thomas has made frequent trips to the island and says what she admires most about Jamaicans is “the strength and tenacity of the Jamaican people”.

“The strength of my mother is what brings me back to Jamaica every year,” Thomas said.

Clunis said that when he applied to be a Winnipeg cop in 1987, his main aim was to crack the stereotype that police cruisers’ back seats are reserved for blacks. Two years later, he visited Jamaica to visit his grandparents, but has always had it in his intentions to “come back to my homeland, but I would like to have something to contribute”.

However, his career overtook him.

“In 2012, I was appointed chief of police and really didn’t understand the significance of that appointment, of being the first black chief of police in the history of police. Last year in February, the high commission invited me to come and speak and took me back to my home community of Harmony Vale. The entire community came out.

“I just saw in those little boys’ faces, I could see myself at their age. It was like coming full circle and seeing the dream that I had of being able to come back to my home country and being able to contribute something. That opportunity is there now. It really just rekindled that fire that I had and I came back to Canada with that burning desire that I wanted to come back and do something,” said Clunis, who attended Bensenton All-Age School, rode donkeys in his community, and walked to school as a lad.

Canadian volunteers score well Christopher Serju Gleaner Reporter

A

40-member contingent from Canada, comprising of police officers from three police districts and their civilian support teams, left the island on Sunday, May 10 after what has already been described as a very successful whirlwind week of humanitarian activities directed at young and vulnerable groups, as well as a lecture series at the National Police College of Jamaica at Twickenham Park, St Catherine.

Inspector Natalie Palmer, of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Community Safety and Security Branch, a member of the liaison support group, told The Gleaner that all the group’s objectives were met, but they were particularly heartened by the transformation at Jessie Ripoll Primary School, which was the main focus of their renovations effort.

This much was evident when the newspaper caught up with members of the group who were involved in painting as well as renovation of the library at the school earlier this week.

“Man, this is serious work, what you mean by that?” Staff Sergeant Ezra ‘Tony’ Browne of the York Regional Police district in Ontario responded when The Gleaner suggested he was having more fun than working.

“We’re helping kids for tomorrow, our future. We help in giving them support, doing something for them that they could prepare for their lives. So that’s very important,” he said.

“I’m really amazed at the appreciation that the administration of the school has shown for us to do this work - the people, the students, the community who came out yesterday to assist us,” Staff Sergeant Ronnie Boyce, of the Toronto Police Service, shared.

“It’s been phenomenal and we just want to

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

come down here and give back to Jamaica.

Many of us are transplanted Jamaicans living in Toronto and we just wanted to give back to the homeland and show that we are available to them if we have the opportunity.”

That was the general sentiment from this volunteer corps which was clearly enjoying the transformation that was evident as a result of their hard work. Describing herself as the ‘mouthpiece’ for this group of Canadians with Caribbean (mostly Jamaican) roots, Shauna Bent, co-chair of the social committee of the Toronto Police Service, explained that the project was born out of the accomplishment of Jamaica-born Devon Clunis, who was appointed chief of the Winnipeg Police Service in October 2012.

“So in answering your question, ‘what brought us here?’ Chief Clunis and the relationship that we have within those three police services (York, Toronto and Winnipeg) - that’s what brought us here.”

DESIRE TO GIVE BACK Clunis, who is visiting Jamaica for the second time in 16 months, told a Gleaner Editors’ Forum on Wednesday that, having left Jamaica in 1975 at the age of 11, he has always had a desire to return.

“It was always my mindset that I would like to come back to my homeland, but I would like to have something to contribute,” he told journalists at The Gleaner’s Kingston offices.

At Jessie Ripoll, Bent noted that the entire project was self-funded.

“Everybody that you see here as a volunteer is here on their own time, on their own dime. We have not received a single dollar from either the service or the Canadian government,” she said\d. “We’re doing this all

Please see CANADIAN, 18 MAY 14 - 20, 2015 • 17

diasporafeature JUNCTURE Continued from 13 raising the level of engagement with the Diaspora.

• An Advisory Board has been created to serve as a bridge between the Government and the Diaspora.

• There has been the establishment of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation and the Jamaica Diaspora Institute.

These institutions were formed to deepen the collaboration among stakeholder groups, and the Institute functions as a centre of research and information on the Diaspora.

• Importantly too, there has been the convening of biennial Diaspora Conferences. These Conferences provide a framework for the exchange of ideas and best practices.

They also create an opportunity for the Government to update the Jamaican Community overseas on the national policy priorities.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, I use this opportunity to endorse the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and to commend the organizers.

I know that they have worked tirelessly to ensure that there is an interesting and useful programme of activities for the Conference.

The 6th Biennial Conference is being positioned as a global forum to mobilise Jamaicans worldwide.

We are cognisant of the fact that Jamaicans reside in every corner of the globe,

JIS photo A high-level meeting between Arnaldo Brown, State Minister, Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade (second left), Diane Edwards, president JAMPRO( third left), Professor Neville Ying, executive director, Jamaica Diaspora Institute (JDI) and Chair, Conference Programme Committee ( second right), Lincoln Downer, acting director, Diaspora & Consular Affairs Department (DCAD) ( first right) and Robert Scott, vice president , Marketing for the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, scheduled for the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 13-18. therefore, broadening the scope of the Conference is a step in the right direction.

I also note that the Biennial Conferences are no longer simply issues-based, but are also results-oriented.

This approach allows us to come together to chart the way forward for the growth and prosperity of this blessed nation.

It also sets the stage for our discussions to be translated into action.

In our efforts to ensure the sustainability of the

Diaspora Movement, we must pay special attention to the younger generation.

That is why at the 2013 Conference, The Government of Jamaica endorsed the Diaspora Youth Connect Project.

This project provides opportunities for Future Leaders in the Diaspora to connect with youth in vulnerable communities in Jamaica.

The aim is to assist our Jamaican youth to convert their creative ideas into

income-generating activities and business ventures.

I am pleased to learn that the project is performing well.

I thank the 12 volunteers from the Diaspora, who have trained 154 young Jamaicans in business development and entrepreneurship.

A number of individuals from communities in St. James, Kingston and St. Andrew, have also been trained as trainers to ensure the sustainability of the proj-

ect.

I invite other young people from the Diaspora to become a part of these initiatives.

Jamaicans in the Diaspora possess a wide range of skills which can be of great benefit to our nation.

We are conducting a Mapping Survey of our nationals overseas in an effort to locate and tap this reservoir of skills for Jamaica’s long term development.

I encourage the members of our Diaspora to participate in this survey. It will assist in creating a database of Jamaicans worldwide who are interested in contributing to the nation’s development.

With that information, we can better match the skills of Jamaicans overseas with opportunities that exist in Jamaica.

As we launch the Jamaica Diaspora 2015, I am pleased to learn that a feature of the Conference this year will again be the Day of Service.

You will recall that this initiative was first introduced at the 2013 Conference.

This year it will be expanded through the utilisation of the Social Development Commission.

On the designated day, members of the Diaspora will carry out their projects all across the country, and not just in western Jamaica.

I encourage widespread participation in this worthwhile venture aimed at building communities.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Sixth Biennial Diaspora Conference marks a critical juncture in the Diaspora engagement process, as we

A.J. Nicholson

build on the successes of previous Conferences.

We are refining the mechanisms to strengthen the relationship between the Jamaican Community Overseas and the Government, communities and people here in Jamaica.

It therefore gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Prime Minister, to launch the Diaspora Conference 2015.

I look forward to seeing you there in large numbers.

God bless you and God bless Jamaica, land we love!

Excerpts of the PM’s message at the official Media Launch of the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2015 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday, February 20, 2015, delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister, A.J. Nicholson.

Jermaine Barnaby photo Students from the Jessie Ripoll Primary School watch as Staff Sergeant Ron Boyce, of the Toronto Police Service, puts the finishing touches of paint on the outside of the schools’ library on Tuesday.

CANADIAN Continued from 17 ourselves because it was very important for us to do this and it was a dream of Chief Clunis and it was a dream of many of us.”

Jessie Ripoll Primary was selected from a group of schools that answered the call for assistance by way of book donations and library and other renovations.

The handover of the refurbished library, with an impressive donation of books and other learning resource material, is set for 10 o’clock

18 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

this morning and Yvette Blackburn, from the Toronto District school board, the sole educator on the trip, is delighted with this donation.

“We got books donated from Rubicon Publishing and some of the members bought supplies and things like that to supplement what was given to the school - other supplies, book binders, pens, pencils, and then they got resource materials. The Toronto District School Board has provided a lot of resource material - textbooks, different assessment tool kits, to utilise diagnostic tools for teachers to use in their pedagogy in the cur-

riculum delivery and then also for the students to then sit and read to be able to better engage themselves in regards to their learning.”

Keith Merith, inspector with the York Regional Police district, summed up things this way: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic experience. Just being able to assist, help and seeing the accomplishments and the smile on these young kids, their faces, the excitement of having us here supporting them, it’s been a blessing in disguise. It’s fantastic and we will definitely do this year after year in some capacity or another.”

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

diasporafeature Shaggy, Ambassador of Jamaica Diaspora Conference

J

AMAICAN INTERNATIONAL reggae superstar Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell is officially an Ambassador of the 6th Biennial Diaspora Conference.

As a member of the Diaspora who has made significant contributions to Jamaica through his music and major charity endeavours, Shaggy is an ideal Ambassador for the Diaspora Conference.

Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent overseas are invited to the global forum every two years for updates on key movements in the Jamaican economy and to discuss opportunities for Diaspora investment. The event exposes attendees to a diverse range of trade and investment opportunities, whilst also seeking to further the Diaspora’s philanthropic involvement in Jamaican communities.

Orville “Shaggy” Burrell as Conference Ambassador, will lend his voice to endorsing the Conference at home and in the Diaspora - a development which has been welcomed by both Ministers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

“As one of Jamaica’s leading musicians and a cultural icon, Shaggy’s presence will help us to bring Jamaicans home to the event which promises to be a great business generating occasion,” says Senator the Hon. Arnold J. Nicholson, QC, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade(MFAFT).

The Hon. Arnaldo Brown, MP, Minister of State, MFAFT added, “I am pleased that he has volunteered his support, and I look forward to working with him and other ambassadors on future initiatives.”

CONTACT Robert Scott, JAMPRO’s Vice President of Export and Market Development and Head of the Marketing Sub-Committee for the Conference is pleased that Shaggy will participate in the Conference as a brand ambassador. “From the initial contact, he expressed a willingness to work with us. He is an ideal person to serve as an ambassador

THE WEEKLY GLEANER

Shaggy as he has the appeal to youth as well as Jamaicans of all ages and serves as an exemplary example of a successful Global Jamaican giving back.”

The 2015 staging which has placed greater emphasis on engaging with the younger Diaspora will feature presentations on investment and trade opportunities and avenues for increasing Diaspora involvement in Health, Education and community development, an exciting Marketplace (trade exposition) with local and overseas exhibitors, fast tracked Services from a range of Government agencies, a golf tournament, and nightly special events. The six day programme concludes with the highly anticipated Diaspora Day of Service, during which members of the Diaspora will execute a range of projects in communities island wide.

The conference takes place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre and the official hotel is the Rose Hall Hilton Hotel. Further details are available at www.jamaicandiaspora.gov.jm.

MAY 14 - 20, 2015 • 19

advertisement

20 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

THE WEEKLY GLEANER