Members of the councils possess formidable strength

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VM Group Limited, Courtney Campbell has welcomed the launch of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC), challenging them to help create a better Jamaica.

Campbell argued that both organisations are capable of deepening meaningful engagement among members of the Jamaican diaspora, a result which he noted would benefit the nation in significant ways.

The GJDC replaces the Diaspora Advisory Board and aims to expand diaspora engagement to include new and emerging regions where Jamaicans reside. The GJDYC was also established with the strategic aim of nurturing greater participation of the youth in the diaspora and increasing their affinity to and involvement with Jamaica. 

Launch of new councils

Both councils were formally launched last Thursday (June 29, 2023) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston. They were, however, convened in 2020 and have conceptualised and hosted a number of activities including webinars on doing business in Jamaica, and human trafficking. 

Campbell, who was speaking at the formal launch, noted that members of the councils possess formidable strength in various disciplines and urged them to remain focused on the goal of helping to transform Jamaica. 

“We look forward to the contribution that the councils will make to national development. We are conscious that any initiative such as this will face obstacles and challenges. I encourage you to remain focused on this mission of diaspora engagement and be inspired by the bigger purpose of this mission.”

He also encouraged members to heed the guidance of scripture which tells us to ‘not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Continuing, Campbell said, “our challenges as a nation are many but they are not insurmountable. With more bright, committed and well-thinking people at the table, together we can and will overcome and create a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren. May (the) formal launch (of the councils), be the catalyst for more meaningful work and greater transformation for our island home.”