CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group Grace Burnett underscored the value of the Jamaican Diaspora and invited members of the group to engage with its products and services during the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference being hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Montego Bay, Jamaica,  this week.

“As a company with Jamaican roots and a global reach, GraceKennedy recognises the immense power of our Jamaican Diaspora around the world. This conference is an opportunity for us to harness the power of unity and collective action to shape a brighter future for Jamaica land we love,” Burnett stated at a welcome reception for conference participants on Sunday evening.

Commenting on the year’s conference theme, “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment”, Burnett told the audience, “The Jamaican diaspora plays a vital role in achieving these goals. Your passion, expertise, and commitment to Jamaica help to drive positive change.”’

In her remarks, Burnett also invited the audience to engage with GraceKennedy (GK) throughout the conference.

The GK conference marketplace booth will feature samples of delicious Grace Foods products, live cooking demonstrations with Chef Shea Stewart, and virtual reality cooking classes. In the Legacy Partners Lounge, the GraceKennedy Financial Group team will offer personalised guidance and expert support to diasporans through their Western Union and GK One brands and GK Capital Management, GK General Insurance, Allied Insurance Brokers, and First Global Bank subsidiaries. 

The GK team will also delve into critical topics shaping Jamaica’s future throughout the conference. Burnett will participate in the opening panel discussion, ‘Jamaica Open for Business’ today, Monday, June 17, which will explore how diaspora engagement can transform investment and enterprise in Jamaica. On Tuesday, June 18, Amanda Beepat, managing director of Allied Insurance Brokers, will participate in a discussion on creating wealth through real estate; and on Wednesday, June 19, Crystal-Gayle Williams, project officer at the GK Foundation, will join in a discussion on strengthening diaspora youth connections to Jamaica.

“The real power in this conference lies in coming together,” Burnett concluded. “Let’s share insights, collaborate with purpose, and chart a course for a Jamaica brimming with opportunity, where peace reigns, and empowered youth lead the way. A Jamaica we can all be proud of.”

The conference’s welcome reception featured a vibrant programme and cocktails, including a ‘pan’ chicken experience delivered by National Baking Company in partnership with Grace Foods. Welcome remarks were also delivered by GK’s fellow legacy partners, the VM Group (the chair of this year’s conference) and JN Group, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, and state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge.