Under the theme, “Building a United Diaspora for Growth and Prosperity in Jamaica,” the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast Regional Conference returns on Friday, June 10, to Saturday June 11, at the JFK Hilton Hotel in Jamaica, New York. Hosted by the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Northeast USA, the conference tackles several key issues under the scope of the newly elected government in Jamaica, and the Diaspora’s role in the nation’s growth.
Several panel experts at the conference will speak on key areas such as the issue Diaspora voting, trade and investment, immigration and deportation, the role of the church in Jamaica’ growth, and the fostering of future leaders. Speakers will also examine new initiatives in various government public sectors, including healthcare, education, public safety and social work. There will also be a special panel discussion guidelines on transitioning from Jamaica to the USA for new immigrants.
The conference will also be attended by officials from the new administration. The Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Christopher Tufton will be speaking at the conference on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 9:30am. Minister Tufton will take the opportunity to discuss the 10-point plan for the Ministry of Health, including charities, and the adopt-a-clinic program. Attendance at the conference is free to the public.
On Saturday evening June 11, at 8 pm the JDNE Talawah Awards will be held also at the JFK Hilton Hotel. Senator The Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade will be the Keynote Speaker for the event.
The Northeast board is part of the nationwide Diaspora Advisory Board, and are responsible for representing the Diaspora in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. Member representatives are charged with representing the interests of the Jamaican Diaspora in their regions, as they advise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on matters relating to their respective communities.
