Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce urges diaspora to invest in Jamaica’s people and future

Jamaica’s sprint icon and Ambassador-at-Large, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, OJ, CD, delivered a heartfelt message to delegates at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, urging members of the diaspora to invest not only in Jamaica’s success stories but also in the families, communities and support systems that help create them.

Speaking during the plenary session, "Leveraging the Creative Economy to Build Stronger Cultural Industries," Fraser-Pryce reflected on her own journey and the role Jamaica played in shaping her life and career.

Describing herself as a daughter of the soil, she credited Jamaica and Jamaicans with providing the foundation that enabled her to rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most accomplished athletes in the world.

Throughout her presentation, Fraser-Pryce shifted the focus away from personal achievements and celebrity status, encouraging delegates to think instead about how they can help create opportunities for others.

One of the strongest messages to emerge from the session was that national development should be less about celebrating celebrities and more about investing in people, families and communities.

She challenged members of the diaspora to play a more active role in creating opportunities through mentorship, entrepreneurship, education and community investment, emphasizing that Jamaica already possesses an abundance of talent.

The challenge, she suggested, is ensuring that young people have access to the support, guidance and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

Fraser-Pryce also highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for athletes after retirement. While many dedicate years to representing Jamaica on the world stage, she noted that their value does not end when their competitive careers are over.

She encouraged greater efforts to involve retired athletes in national conversations and development initiatives, recognizing the experience, discipline, leadership and insight they bring. Whether through mentorship, business, education, community engagement or entrepreneurship, retired athletes have much to contribute and should be given opportunities to remain active participants in shaping Jamaica’s future.

Creating pathways beyond competition, she suggested, is not only an investment in individuals but also an investment in the country’s long-term social and economic development.

Fraser-Pryce also spoke about the importance of self-belief and confidence, encouraging Jamaicans to recognize their value and potential.

“Nobody nuh better than we,” she said, drawing warm reactions from the audience.

Her remarks resonated with delegates, who responded enthusiastically to her call for greater investment in people and stronger support systems for future generations.

Rather than focusing solely on achievements already attained, Fraser-Pryce challenged the audience to think about legacy—how today’s investments, mentorship and opportunities can help create tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers.

For members of the diaspora, her message was both a challenge and an invitation: move beyond admiration and become active participants in building the systems that help others succeed.

As Jamaica continues to strengthen its global connections, Fraser-Pryce’s call was clear: invest in people, invest in talent, and invest in the families and communities that will shape Jamaica’s future for generations to come.