Jamaica’s elections for membership to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and its youth arm (GJDYC) are proceeding as scheduled, with full backing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, officials confirmed.
Voting is set to take place online at connectmeja.com from January 28 to February 20, 2026.
Minister of State in the Ministry, the Honourable Alando Terrelonge, said the elections were temporarily paused following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, at the request of Electoral Committees in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The committees had prioritised relief and recovery efforts for Jamaica.
“As Jamaica transitions from emergency response to rebuilding, members of the Diaspora have signalled their readiness to move forward with the elections. The Electoral Committees have worked diligently to realign the process and are now well-positioned to continue with the elections and the important work ahead,” Terrelonge said.
A record 51 candidates are contesting seats across the three countries, marking the highest participation ever in a GJDC election. “This unprecedented level of engagement demonstrates strong confidence in the Councils and a clear willingness among Jamaicans in the Diaspora to serve,” the Minister added.
Terrelonge emphasised that the GJDC and GJDYC play a key role in Jamaica’s National Diaspora Policy, providing formal platforms for collaboration between Jamaicans at home and abroad in sectors such as education, health, culture, economic development, environment, and citizen security. He noted that these councils complement, rather than replace, independent Diaspora organisations.
Addressing recent criticism of the voting process, Terrelonge warned against efforts to disrupt or discredit the elections. “While diverse views are healthy for democratic governance, it is deeply concerning when attempts are made to disrupt or discredit a legitimate and transparent process through mischief, misinformation and propaganda,” he said.
The Minister urged all eligible Jamaicans overseas to participate, vote, and remain active partners in shaping the future of Jamaica.
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