Diaspora lauded for key contributions at record-breaking conference

“Our diaspora and the support of our diaspora are absolutely critical to our survival as a nation.” Those are the words of Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding who, alongside Prime Minister Andrew Holness, hailed the contributions of Jamaicans living abroad during this week’s Jamaica Diaspora Conference.

From June 16-19, Jamaicans and other stakeholders from all over the world gathered in Montego Bay for the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference. This year’s staging achieved its largest number of registrants ever, with over 1,100 individuals registered, surpassing the government’s target of 1,000 participants.

While addressing the audience on Day 2 of the conference, Prime Minister Holness extended his gratitude to the members of the Jamaican diaspora for their steadfast support and contributions to the nation’s development.

“Thank you for choosing Jamaica. I don’t take it for granted that you would pay your way, put other things off, make plans [and] come to this Conference … it does mean a lot to your government.