Jamaica diaspora conference to bring leaders together in Philadelphia
Key Points(5)
- The Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA will host its second annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 23 and 24, bringing together diaspora members, government officials, business leaders and community organisations to discuss ways to support Jamaica’s development.
- The conference, held under the theme “One Diaspora, One Vision: Advancing Jamaica Together,” will focus on strengthening collaboration between Jamaicans overseas and those at home.
- Led by Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member for the Northeast USA, and the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Planning Committee, the event will be opened by Foreign Affairs Junior Minister Alando Terrelonge.
- Tulloch-Neil said the conference was initially not planned for this year because Jamaica hosted its 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference in June.
- However, organisers decided to proceed following what she described as overwhelming demand.
The Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA will host its second annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 23 and 24, bringing together diaspora members, government officials, business leaders and community organisations to discuss ways to support Jamaica’s development.
The conference, held under the theme “One Diaspora, One Vision: Advancing Jamaica Together,” will focus on strengthening collaboration between Jamaicans overseas and those at home.
Led by Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member for the Northeast USA, and the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Planning Committee, the event will be opened by Foreign Affairs Junior Minister Alando Terrelonge.
Tulloch-Neil said the conference was initially not planned for this year because Jamaica hosted its 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference in June. However, organisers decided to proceed following what she described as overwhelming demand.
“This conference is about moving beyond conversation to meaningful partnership and measurable impact,” Tulloch-Neil said. “The Jamaican diaspora possesses tremendous talent, resources, relationships, and expertise. Our responsibility is to connect those assets with Jamaica’s needs and create opportunities for sustainable development.”
Other speakers will include Lishann Salmon, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC; Ambassador Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s permanent representative to the United Nations; Consul General Oliver Mair; New York state representative Brian A. Cunningham; and Courtney Cephas of the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation.
The two-day conference will address issues affecting Jamaica and its diaspora, including education and youth development, healthcare, immigration, trade and investment, crime prevention, agriculture and food security, human trafficking, shipping challenges and US-Jamaica partnerships.
A special power lunch will bring together business leaders from across the northeastern United States for networking and discussions on entrepreneurship, investment and strategic partnerships. Organisers hope the discussions will identify ways to mobilise diaspora resources and expertise in support of Jamaica’s economic development.
Youth engagement will also feature prominently, with students from Delaware State University, the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Temple University expected to attend.
Tulloch-Neil said young people should play an active role in shaping diaspora initiatives and strengthening ties with Jamaica.
“We believe young people must not simply be invited into the conversation; they must have a seat at the table,” she said. “By connecting students with leaders and opportunities, we are helping to develop the next generation of diaspora leaders and strengthening their connection to Jamaica.”
The conference aims to provide a platform for dialogue, networking and practical collaboration among diaspora members and stakeholders working to advance Jamaica’s social and economic development.
