The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference staged a hybrid launch in Florida on Sunday (March 22).

Hosted by Jamaican Consul General to Miami Oliver Mair at Miramar City Hall, the launch is intended to update Jamaican nationals overseas on preparations for the major conference set to take place in Jamaica from June 14-18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. 

Organisers have designated June 16 as Diaspora Day, which will focus on service initiatives. State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, who has portfolio responsibility for Diaspora affairs, delivered the keynote address.

Registration is already open for the conference, set to take place from June 14 to June 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Under the theme “Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a more climate-resilient Jamaica,” the conference is expected to bring together Jamaicans from across the globe to explore solutions to national challenges and strengthen ties between the island and its overseas communities.

The biennial event is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, which has responsibility for diaspora engagement. This year’s planning committee is chaired by head of the JN Group, Earl Jarrett, who has expressed optimism about the upcoming staging, pointing to expectations of strong participation and impactful discussions.

“I am expecting a large turnout at the conference,” he said in an earlier statement, adding that the programme will feature “exciting presentations” and aim to generate solutions to issues affecting Jamaica. “I am looking forward to a great conference. As you know, the strength of Jamaica is its people, and Jamaicans in the diaspora represent a significant part of Jamaica,” Jarrett added.

More than 1,000 participants attended the last staging, and organisers are aiming to surpass that figure this year. Minister Terrelonge has underscored the importance of the gathering, noting that it comes in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and presents an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and partnership-building over the five-day programme.