Relationship Between Jamaica And The Diaspora To Be Improved

Professor NEVILLE Ying, executive director of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute, will outline initiatives being pursued to develop the relationship between Jamaica and its diaspora when he addresses the biennial Jamaican Diaspora Convention to be held June 15 to 17.

Ying said his presentation will highlight some of the contributions members of the diaspora have been making to Jamaica. These contributions have been in the areas of remittances; education, especially the support of alumni groups to education institutions; support for health care, particularly free health-care services for rural communities; and financial investments and tourism.

Meanwhile, Professor Ying said he will also outline achievements made since the last meeting in 2008, such as the development of the diaspora web portal, http://jamaicadiasporaconnect.com.

"This is to indicate that we are embracing best practices of developed diasporas, such as India, which uses information and communication technologies and business portals as an integral part of its diaspora-engagement strategies," he explained.

"This portal was developed through an EC/UN-funded project, Knowledge Networks for connecting Jamaica and its diaspora," he added.

important recommendations

He said the development of the portal addresses important recommendations from previous diaspora conferences which had lobbied for the development of databases of members, an online communication tool for engaging the diaspora and a diaspora skills bank.

Professor Ying is one of several high-profile speakers confirmed for the upcoming convention, which is to be held at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort. Other scheduled speakers include Dr Kenneth Baugh, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade; Karl Samuda, minister of industry, investment and commerce; and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Olivia Grange.

Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation, will address the convention from the private sector's perspective, under the theme: 'One Nation: Jamaica and its diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities'.