Returnee entrepreneurs share lessons in resilience and growth at Jamaica Diaspora Conference

Some of the most meaningful conversations at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference were not about balance sheets or business plans. They were about people, purpose and the responsibility to help others along the way.

That spirit was evident throughout the Diaspora and Returnee Business Success Stories session, thoughtfully moderated by Jamaica's Consul General in Miami, Oliver Mair, and featuring Jamaican-British entrepreneur, celebrity chef, musician and television personality Levi Roots, alongside entrepreneur and diaspora returnee Jewel Daniels Radford.

With a warm and engaging approach, Mair guided the discussion in a way that encouraged honest conversation and genuine reflection, allowing each speaker to share not only their successes but also the lessons they learned along the way.

Roots spoke about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, finding trusted mentors and being willing to take calculated risks. More than anything else, his message centered on lifting others as you climb. Success, he suggested, is measured not only by what you build for yourself but also by what you leave behind for others.

Daniels Radford shared her own journey with humility and sincerity, speaking about the importance of listening, remaining open to learning and holding firmly to faith through life's inevitable challenges. One statement, in particular, seemed to stay with everyone in the room:

"In every crisis, there is an opportunity."

It was a simple thought, but one that clearly resonated with the audience.

Throughout the session, delegates listened intently, many with notebooks in hand, writing down ideas they hoped to carry back to their own communities. There were moments when heads nodded in quiet agreement, and warm applause filled the room as the speakers reflected on resilience, mentorship and the importance of giving back.

By the end of the discussion, one message lingered: True success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the willingness to mentor, inspire and create opportunities for others.

More than a conversation about entrepreneurship, the session served as a reminder that the Jamaica Diaspora Conference is ultimately about people sharing experiences, building relationships and finding meaningful ways to contribute to Jamaica's continued growth and development.

Perhaps one of the diaspora's greatest strengths lies not only in its financial contributions but also in its willingness to share knowledge, encourage others and open doors for the next generation. Judging by the engagement in the room, that message was both heard and warmly embraced.

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference continues in Montego Bay through June 18, bringing together members of the Jamaican diaspora, government officials, business leaders and stakeholders to discuss investment, development and opportunities for national growth.