Jamaica’s diaspora hailed as one of island's greatest assets by gov't officials

A call for innovation, resilience and stronger diaspora partnerships set the tone for the opening of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference on Tuesday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, as Jamaicans from across the globe gathered to chart the country’s development priorities.

Under the theme “Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica,” the five-day conference brings together government officials, opposition leaders, and overseas Jamaicans for discussions on economic growth, climate resilience, technology, health care and national security.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Alando Terrelonge said the diaspora remains central to Jamaica’s development strategy, describing it as one of the country’s most valuable national assets.

He pointed to contributions through remittances, investment, philanthropy, skills transfer and advocacy.

“Beyond the economic impact, the diaspora serves as a powerful bridge. You are our brand ambassadors, connecting Jamaica to global markets, opportunities, expertise and networks,” Terrelonge said.

He said the conference comes at a time of rapid global change and stressed that progress depends on collaboration.

“The theme of this conference is both timely and relevant. It reflects our collective recognition that sustainable progress cannot be achieved in isolation,” he said, adding that success “requires partnerships, particularly with our diaspora.”

Conference Chair Hon. Earl Jarrett said more than 500 overseas delegates are registered, with over 1,000 participants expected throughout the event.

He said the turnout reflects the strength of ties between Jamaica and its global community, despite rising travel and living costs.

“The fact that so many of you have decided to come and make the investment by joining Jamaica this time… your attendance is a powerful statement of your commitment to Jamaica,” Jarrett said.

He also emphasized that the conference is intended to be interactive rather than ceremonial.

“The intent was not for the conference to be a one-way channel for beautiful presentations, but rather as a forum for dialogue, active engagement and decisive outcomes,” he said.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness used the ceremonial opening to highlight progress in crime reduction, housing, and health infrastructure, while making a direct appeal for diaspora investment.

He reported what he described as a sustained decline in homicides, citing a 67 per cent cumulative reduction over four years, including an 8 per cent decline in 2023, 19 per cent in 2024, and 42 per cent in 2025. As of May 2026, he said murders are down 22.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.

“These are not just numbers… they are lives saved,” Holness said. “It’s a child who did not lose their father, communities where people are beginning to breathe a little easier.”

He attributed the decline to increased investment in national security, including a near-tripling of the security budget over the past decade, expanded police recruitment, and a strengthened military capacity.

Holness said those gains now create an opportunity for greater diaspora participation in the local economy, particularly in real estate.

“The housing market in Jamaica is expanding, and it is expanding rapidly, particularly in the private sector. I encourage all Jamaicans overseas to participate in the real estate market in Jamaica,” he said.

He added that diaspora investment in housing would allow the National Housing Trust to focus more heavily on affordable housing solutions.

The Prime Minister also pointed to intensified international cooperation on crime, including efforts targeting lottery scamming and illegal weapons trafficking.

“We have especially increased our cooperation with the Government of the United States… and recently you would have seen some very high-profile arrests taking place,” he said.

Holness further outlined major health sector investments under the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), including hospital redevelopment projects and upgrades to national health infrastructure.

Conference discussions are expected to continue throughout the week, focusing on tourism, agriculture, education, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate resilience and the creative economy, as Jamaica seeks to deepen engagement with its global diaspora and expand long-term development partnerships.