Jamaica diaspora conference sets sights on 2027 as call for action continues
Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the Northeast USA. Addressing the second Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference, held October 23–24 at Temple University Center City in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PHOTO Derrick Scott.
Key Points(5)
- Organisers of the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference are already looking ahead to 2027, following a two-day gathering that brought more than 400 participants together to explore ways to strengthen the diaspora’s contribution to Jamaica’s development.
- The third annual Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference is scheduled for October 22-23, 2027, providing another opportunity to deepen partnerships, assess progress and advance initiatives emerging from this year’s discussions.
- Featured participants included Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando N.
- Terrelonge, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations Brian Wallace, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., Lishann Salmon, and Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Oliver Mair.
- A key feature was a business networking luncheon and strategic dialogue hosted by Terrelonge, which brought together approximately 40 business leaders from across the northeastern United States.
Organisers of the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference are already looking ahead to 2027, following a two-day gathering that brought more than 400 participants together to explore ways to strengthen the diaspora’s contribution to Jamaica’s development.
The third annual Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference is scheduled for October 22-23, 2027, providing another opportunity to deepen partnerships, assess progress and advance initiatives emerging from this year’s discussions.
The announcement follows the second conference, held October 23-24 at Temple University Center City in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the theme “One Diaspora, One Vision: Advancing Jamaica Together.”
The conference brought together Jamaican government and diplomatic representatives, business leaders, agricultural stakeholders, professionals, academics, university students and community organisations to examine how Jamaicans overseas can play a greater role in the country’s economic and social development.
Hosted by Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the Northeast USA and chair of the conference planning committee, the event addressed issues including agriculture, investment, trade, education, health care, immigration, public safety, youth leadership and technology.
Featured participants included Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando N. Terrelonge, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations Brian Wallace, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., Lishann Salmon, and Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Oliver Mair.
A key feature was a business networking luncheon and strategic dialogue hosted by Terrelonge, which brought together approximately 40 business leaders from across the northeastern United States.
Discussions explored investment opportunities, trade, entrepreneurship, workforce development, financial education and professional collaboration, with an emphasis on building relationships that could translate into tangible benefits for Jamaica.
Agriculture also featured prominently, with participants examining ways to improve farmers’ productivity, strengthen sustainable incomes, encourage young people to enter the sector, expand market access and build resilience in Jamaica’s agricultural industry.
A panel featuring Norma Jarrett of the Organization of Farming and Allied Associations (OFANA), Greta Davis of Chicken Coop and Vivion Scully of the Agro-Investment Corporation explored opportunities for diaspora partnerships to support agricultural development. A practical demonstration by Michelle Washington highlighted home gardening and food production as part of broader discussions on food security.
Youth participation was another key component, with approximately 70 university students attending a luncheon with Terrelonge, Mair and Tulloch-Neil.
The students raised questions about returning to Jamaica, professional opportunities, infrastructure and technological advancement, underscoring the importance of including younger members of the diaspora in discussions about the country’s future.
Other sessions addressed human trafficking, immigration rights, mental health, health care, generational wealth and diaspora investment.
In her opening remarks, Tulloch-Neil stressed that the conference should serve as a springboard for continued engagement and practical action rather than an isolated annual gathering.
“We gather because Jamaica matters. Our people matter. Our future matters. And the role we play in shaping those futures matters!” she said.
Building on the connections established in Philadelphia, the planning committee is proposing further consultations on three potential initiatives: a Northeast Diaspora Agricultural Partnership, a Diaspora Business and Investment Network, and a Diaspora Youth and Emerging Leaders Programme.
A stakeholder forum is also being proposed for January 2027 to review participant feedback, establish shared priorities and identify practical next steps.
The proposed initiatives remain subject to further consultation, stakeholder agreement and the availability of resources.
Tulloch-Neil said the conference’s success would ultimately depend on whether participants maintained their relationships and followed through on commitments made during the discussions.
“The conference has concluded, but the work continues,” she said. “Our progress will ultimately be measured by the partnerships we sustain, the commitments we fulfill, and the lasting contributions we make to Jamaica and future generations.”
The conference received support from BFW Group, Caribbean Food Delights, Cyber Security Consulting Operations, GraceKennedy Money Services, Highstep, the Jamaica Tourist Board, RON’s Caribbean Cuisine, Tulloch Legacy Network and VM Building Society.
With the 2027 conference on the horizon, organisers are seeking to build on the momentum generated in Philadelphia and turn this year’s ideas and relationships into sustained collaboration in support of Jamaica’s development.
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