Jamaican diaspora voices strong support for government reform
Key Points(5)
- Members of the Jamaican diaspora have expressed strong support for government efforts to improve business conditions and strengthen key sectors including healthcare, tourism, and national security, according to discussions held during the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.
- Jamaican-born businesswoman and Miami-based resident Doreen Thaxter pointed to safety and quality of life as key considerations for returnees.
- “Safety and the feeling of being able to move around, to sleep well at night… nothing beats that,” she said, noting that she has already begun the process of returning to Jamaica.
- Valerie Brown, who travelled from Ontario, Canada, said her primary interest was healthcare improvements, describing access to quality services as a major factor for Jamaicans abroad considering relocation.
- “I loved everything I was hearing from Health and Wellness Minister Dr.
Members of the Jamaican diaspora have expressed strong support for government efforts to improve business conditions and strengthen key sectors, including healthcare, tourism, and national security, according to discussions held during the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.
The three-day conference, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 15 to 17, brought together Jamaicans living abroad and local officials under the theme “Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica.”
Participants broadly commended ongoing initiatives aimed at streamlining business processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, with several attendees highlighting renewed interest in investment and potential relocation to Jamaica.
Jamaican-born businesswoman and Miami-based resident Doreen Thaxter pointed to safety and quality of life as key considerations for returnees.
“Safety and the feeling of being able to move around, to sleep well at night… nothing beats that,” she said, noting that she has already begun the process of returning to Jamaica.
Valerie Brown, who travelled from Ontario, Canada, said her primary interest was healthcare improvements, describing access to quality services as a major factor for Jamaicans abroad considering relocation.
“I loved everything I was hearing from Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton and his team at the conference,” she said. “Healthcare and access to health services are the most important things for me.”
Other diaspora members, including Atlanta-based web developer and businessman Ralston Brown and Washington, D.C. resident Donya Gordon, also highlighted opportunities for investment, particularly in tourism and healthcare, while expressing optimism about Jamaica’s development trajectory.
Government officials used the platform to outline progress across key sectors.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access and emergency response capacity.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that every Jamaican has access to the healthcare they need, especially in emergencies,” he said.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett emphasized tourism’s role in national growth, noting efforts to strengthen sustainability and improve the visitor experience.
“Tourism is not just about numbers… it’s about creating a sustainable environment for our people and visitors alike,” he said.
Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang highlighted continued reductions in crime, saying government efforts are focused on creating a safer environment for citizens and visitors.
State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge said the positive response from diaspora participants reflected growing confidence in Jamaica’s reform agenda.
“With ongoing collaboration and investment from Jamaicans abroad, there is hope for a stronger, more resilient Jamaica in the years to come,” he said.
