Alando Terrelonge, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, is urging members of the Jamaican Diaspora to “come home” for the 10th Jamaica Diaspora Conference, from June 16 – 19.

The 2024 conference, which is the first in-person forum in five years, will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment’.

Addressing the April 15 virtual satellite launch in the United Kingdom, Terrelonge extended an invitation to all Jamaicans – second, third and fourth generations, young professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, philanthropists, investors and community leaders – to attend the event.

He pointed out that participants will have the opportunity to consult with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as the conference’s legacy partners – Jamaica National Group, VM Group and GraceKennedy Group – to “ensure that you, too, can capitalise on the wonderful growth spurt that is taking place in Jamaica”.

“Jamaica must now be seen not only as destination fun in the sun. Yes, it is the most amazing tourism destination, but Jamaica is now destination trade and investment, and we want the diaspora to come home in June,” Terrelonge said.

Day of Service

He noted that the diaspora has a role to play in working towards a transformed Jamaica.

“A win for Jamaica is a win for all Jamaicans living at home or in the diaspora,” Terrelonge added.

The conference will be followed by a Day of Service on June 20, where diaspora members are encouraged to give tangible contributions of time and resources to bring positive change to local communities.

“Whether to renovate, sweep up, donate some books and so forth, we will be looking forward to that. Please let us know in advance so that we can liaise with the Jamaica Customs Agency, which is also our partner in the conference so that we can work out special discounts and facilitate the smooth entry of the goods that you will be taking with you,” Terrelonge advised.

Interested persons can register at https://diasporaconferenceja.eventbrite.com/. An early bird discount of US$160 will be available until May 15.