Leesa Kow, managing director of JN Bank, says attracting the younger generations of overseas-based Jamaicans is key to the success of the engagement strategy that is to be refined with the launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM).

Addressing the launch of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston, Kow said the conference remains a viable platform
for connecting with Jamaicans living overseas as she encouraged their continued participation in the country’s development. However, Kow said youth engagement will be important to sustaining the connection with the country’s estimated 3 million citizens living overseas.

“An important aspect of this conference is to engage the younger members of the diaspora.
These individuals are the future bearers of the Jamaican legacy abroad, and we must seek to
inspire them to explore their heritage and consider how they can contribute to Jamaica’s
growth,” she said.

The JN Bank managing director, who formerly headed the largest homegrown remittance company
JN Money, said diaspora conferences over the years have yielded good results that have enabled Jamaica to solidify partnerships that continue to benefit the country.

“Through their diverse skills, experiences, and networks acquired abroad, Jamaicans in the diaspora bring valuable expertise and resources to the table, driving progress in various sectors of the Jamaican economy,” she underscored.

Kow said the conferences over the years have been fertile ground for great ideas and initiatives, and urged participants to ensure each one is nurtured until it has matured.

“Let us not forget that this conference is not only about dialogue and discussion,” she reminded
the audience.

“It is about action…harnessing the collective power of the Diaspora to help with tackling the challenges facing our nation and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Her message was supported by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina
Johnson Smith, who, in her keynote address at the launch, said the conferences have been a symbol for achievements that have redounded to the benefit of Jamaicans locally and overseas.

Pointing to the National Diaspora Policy and the JAM-DEM platform, which will support Jamaicans overseas interested in investing in the country, Johnson Smith said that Jamaica’s approach to engaging with its diaspora over the years has become a model for other developing countries. The J$30-million JAM-DEM project, being pursued with the support of the International Organization for Migration, is to be launched in June, she said.

The 10 th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will be held at the Montego Bay Convention
Centre. Persons may register at https://diasporaconferenceja.eventbrite.com.