IAM delighted to partici-pate in today’s OfficialMedia Launch for the

staging of the 6th BiennialJamaica DiasporaConference to be held inJune, in Montego Bay.

Jamaica can be consideredto be a borderless countrywith approximately 2.8 mil-lion people here on ‘theRock’ and an estimated 3million abroad.

As Jamaicans, no matterwhere we reside, we alwaysremain committed to ourbeloved nation.

This has been demon-strated in a number of ways:

• Through the unwaveringsupport shown to ourartistes, and sportsmen andwomen as they perform onthe world stage;

• In the contributionsmade to educational institu-tions;

• By the provision of well-needed medical equipmentand supplies for the healthsector;

• As well as throughremittances to family andfriends.

According to a Study con-ducted by the JamaicanDiaspora Institute, Diaspora

contributions to theHealthcare and EducationSectors amounted to US$10million over the three-yearperiod ending in 2014.

An estimated 132 health-care groups send an averageof 200 medical missionsfrom the Diaspora toJamaica each year.

Diaspora groups have alsomade meaningful contribu-tions to hospitals, healthcentres, schools and othereducational institutions.

In addition, the Diasporaeducation and healthcareinterest groups have devel-oped a collaborative frame-work with several Ministries.

Through partnershipswith the Ministries ofEducation and Health, forexample, they continue towork for the benefit of ourchildren and protection ofthe vulnerable in our society.

I want to make specialmention of the work of theDiaspora EducationTaskforce.

This group emerged as arecommendation from the5th Biennial DiasporaConference in 2013. TheTaskforce is advancing along term plan to support

for the education Sector.The outstanding efforts of

health practitioners in theDiaspora locations are alsodeserving of commendation.

These are tangible exam-ples of the commitment ofmembers of the Diaspora toour nation and the welfare ofour people.

This Administration con-tinues to recognise theimportance of the Diasporato Jamaica’s development.

The engagement processwas started in earnestaround 1993 with the imple-mentation of a Charter forLong-Term ReturningResidents.

The Charter addressed themajor concerns of thoseJamaicans who desired toreturn home to retire, investand share their skillsacquired overseas.

I am aware that a numberof Returned Citizens, someof whom are in the audiencetoday, have benefited fromthe facilities establishedunder the Charter.

Since the initial efforts toreintegrate members of theJamaican family overseas,the Government has devel-oped a number of other ini-tiatives.

These are all aimed at

THE WEEKLY GLEANER MAY 14 - 20, 2015 • 13

PLANS ARE in now high gear for the 6th BiennialJamaica Diaspora Conference to be held from June 13to 18 in Montego Bay.

I am urging all members of the Jamaican Diaspora in theUnited Kingdom to make every effort to attend and partici-pate in what is set to be anexciting programme of activitiesat this Global forum.

The theme for the Conferenceis: “Jamaica and the DiasporaLinking for Growth andProsperity”.

This year’s programme willinclude a range of discussions, aMarketplace Exposition, fast-tracked government servicesand a variety of special eventsand entertainment. The activi-ties will conclude with theexpanded Diaspora Day ofService during which membersof the Diaspora can develop andexecute projects in communitiesof their choosing, around theisland.

The Conference will recognise the importance of theJamaican Diaspora movement to the country’s development.Diaspora groups have made and continue to make meaning-ful contributions to hospitals, health centres, schools andeducational institutions as well as to many communitiesacross the island.

The Conference is also an excellent opportunity for the UKDiaspora to raise issues of concern with senior governmentMinisters and other Jamaican officials as well as to networkwith Diaspora members from across the world.

Against this background, I am pleased to extend an invita-tion to you to attend this year’s conference and I looking for-ward to seeing you in Montego Bay in June.

Aloun Ndombet-AssambaHigh Commissioner

Messages

Attend, Participate, Enjoy!

CCoonnttrriibbuutteedd Professor Neville Ying, Director of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute (right) with (from left) Permanent Secretary at theMinistry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ambassador Paul Robotham, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign TradeSenator A.J. Nicholson and President of JAMPRO Diane Edwards, at the launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Conferenceheld February 20, 2015.

The Conference marks a critical juncture inthe Diaspora engagement process – PM

Please see JUNCTURE, 18

A WEEKLY GLEANER SPECIAL

THE WEEKLY GLEANER14 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

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MINISTER OF State in the Ministry ofForeign Affairs and Foreign Trade,Arnaldo Brown, has reiterated his

call for increased investment in the countryfrom Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

“International investment is already tak-ing place in Jamaica … as the Chinese arehere, the Belgians are here, the Spanish,among many others are here…but we wantJamaicans to invest in Jamaica,” theState Minister said.

He was addressing a specialWestern Region StakeholderBriefing on the upcoming 6thBiennial Jamaica DiasporaConference, held on May 7, atthe Hilton Rose Hall Resort andSpa in Montego Bay.

He said the Government isinterested in attracting moreDiaspora direct investment“because it is our view thatJamaicans in the Diaspora …will allow their monies to perco-late in the economy and will beinterested in the overall devel-opment of Jamaica and

not just profit-making”.“The Diaspora are fiercely committed to

Jamaica … and nurse the desire to returnhere,” he pointed out.

The State Minister said the Governmentrecognises the importance of partnershipbetween Jamaica and its Diaspora in theprocess of nation building.

He noted that the upcoming conferencewill be an integral part of efforts to

encourage and facilitate theDiaspora’s contribution to the

growth and developmentagenda, and will provide anopportunity to take theJamaica-Diaspora engage-ment to yet another level.

“We have our challengesbut this is enormouspotential and opportu-nity for the astute

businessman or woman,who can see that we are ona trajectory for growth andprosperity,” the State

Minister asserted.

A CRITICAL ELEMENT ofthe 6th Biennial JamaicaDiaspora Conference will bean array of business andsocial enterprise options,which members of theextended national communitycan access, says LeonMitchell, Assistant GeneralManager, Jamaica NationalBuilding Society (JNBS).

Started in 2004 to involvethe Diaspora more compre-hensively in the economic,social, political and culturallife in Jamaica, Mr. Mitchellsaid Jamaica National sup-ports this Conference’s,“sharpened focus on businessand social enterprise options,which enhances the value ofthe Diaspora Movement.”

Noting that the DiasporaConference was now effec-tively a part of the develop-ment programme for theJamaican community,the AssistantGeneral Managerstated that, “Thispractical develop-mental thrusthas positiveimplications forimproving eco-nomic outcomesand further project-ing Brand Jamaica on aglobal scale.”

He pointed to the newDiaspora Mapping Project,which began last year, withthe aim to determine the loca-tion, interest and skills ofmembers of the Diaspora, sothat those with special skillsand experiences can be moreeasily located to fill jobs inJamaica.

DONATIONSAnother practical enhance-

ment is the formalisation ofthe process of making chari-table donations, which wascarried out through theJamaican Charities Act of2013.

“These are two solidDiaspora Conference out-comes, which are enhancingthe lives of Jamaicans,” theAssistant General Managersaid, adding that, “The newthrust has also pushedJamaica National in newdirections.”

Saffrey Brown, GeneralManager of the JNFoundation, pointed out thatthe subsequent developmentof the Social Enterprise BoostInitiative (SEBI), which she

had introduced at the2013 Diaspora

Conference, will bemade available toparticipants at thisyear’s conference.

The three-year ini-tiative, funded by the

United States Agencyfor International

Development (USAID),tackles the fall-off in dona-

tions and grant funding tonon-governmental organiza-tions and civic groups, bybuilding profitable businessenterprises in order to sup-port their social missions.

The first SEBI Summit washeld recently in Jamaica,hosting enterprises such asAlpha Boys School, NewHorizon Skills TrainingCentre and Daughters ofIndigo, while featuring speak-ers from Jamaica, the UnitedStates of America, and theUnited Kingdom, Brown said.“Currently, the UnitedKingdom has the leadingsocial enterprise movement inthe world, and there is muchwe are seeking to learn fromthem.”

She said the SEBI has posi-tive implications for those inthe Diaspora as it offersopportunities for donatingskills and expertise; as wellas, providing options fordeveloping partnerships and

market linkages.Rose Miller, Grants

Manager at the JNFoundation, said one suchSEBI partnership opportunityis through the DiasporaYouth Connect project whichprovides guidance to youngentrepreneurs on the island.

“This programme har-nesses the talents of Diasporavolunteers who can offermentorship and training foryoung entrepreneurs in chal-lenged communities,” Millerexplained. “The aim is to helpthem to identify and form abusiness, develop businessplans, as well as to promotetheir business.”

The Grants Manager notedthat youth unemployment is amajor problem in Jamaica;and, therefore, this pro-gramme, done in partnershipwith CUSO International, willprovide skilled Diasporamembers with the opportu-nity to address this challenge.

“Jamaica and the Diasporaneed to collaborate closely toensure that the overall needsof the community are ful-filled,” Mitchell said.

“Jamaica National plays apivotal role in its links withJamaicans in the Diaspora,mounting events, such as theannual Outlook for the Futureseries, which starts in theUnited Kingdom in July thisyear. And, the Society ispleased to assist in fosteringsome of the new optionsbeing developed through theDiaspora Conference,” hesaid.

RRuuddoollpphh BBrroowwnn/PhotographerPauline Smith (second left), head of the Network of Women, explains the uses of mushrooms to Ambassador PaolaAmadei (second right), head of the European Union Delegation and Denise Herbol (right), Mission director of USAID.Also pictured are from left: chef Kent Bayington, who is creating mushroom recipes for the Network of Women forFood Security; Gregory Walter and Denise Walter.

Diaspora urged to increaseinvestment in Jamaica

Diaspora Conference Features SocialEnterprise Opportunities – JN

Aahhh! The sweet smell of commerce. JNBS Foundation chairman EarlJarrett follows his nose when it comes to business. Here he tests out a dis-play at the JNBS/SEBI Social Enterprise Summit held in New Kingston onMonday, January 26, 2015. Indistry Minister Anthony Hylton is beside Jarrett.

Arnaldo Brown

Mitchell

THE WEEKLY GLEANER MAY14-20, 2015 • 15

THE WEEKLY GLEANER16 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

KINGSTON (JIS):

THE 6th Biennial JamaicaDiaspora Conference, to beheld at the Montego Bay

Convention Centre, in St. James,from June 13 to 18, is being posi-tioned as a global forum to mobiliseJamaicans worldwide.

Prime Minister Portia SimpsonMiller said the scope of the confer-ence is being broadened with thevision to attract members of theDiaspora outside of the traditionalareas of the United Kingdom, theUnited States and Canada.

“We are cognisant of the fact thatJamaicans reside in every corner ofthe globe; therefore, broadening thescope of the conference is a step inthe right direction,” she said.

The prime minister made theremarks in a speech read byMinister of Foreign Affairs andForeign Trade, Senator A.J.Nicholson, at the launch of the2015 Conference at the JamaicaPegasus Hotel in New Kingston, onFebruary 20.

Simpson Miller said she is alsopleased that the event is no longer“simply issues-based, but alsoresults-oriented.”

“This approach allows us to cometogether to chart the way forwardfor the growth and prosperity ofthis blessed nation. It also sets thestage for our discussions to betranslated into action,” she said.

Meanwhile, Simpson Millerlauded the Diaspora for its unyield-

ing support to Jamaica, pointingout that her administration contin-ues to recognise the importance ofthe movement to the country’sdevelopment.

EDUCATIONThe prime minister noted that

the Diaspora has contributed overUS$10 million to the health andeducation sectors over the three-year period ending in 2014.

Also, an estimated 132 healthcaregroups send an average of 200medical missions from the Diasporato Jamaica each year, she informed.

“Diaspora groups have also mademeaningful contributions to hospi-tals, health centres, schools andother educational institutions. Inaddition, the Diaspora educationand healthcare interest groups havedeveloped a collaborative frame-work with several Ministries,” theprime minister pointed out.

She noted that in recognition ofthe Diaspora’s contributions andimportance, the Government hasdeveloped a number of initiatives inan effort to reintegrate members ofthe Jamaican family currently liv-ing overseas.

Simpson Miller said the initia-tives, which include the establish-ment of the Jamaican DiasporaFoundation and the JamaicaDiaspora Institute, are all aimed atraising the level of engagementwith the Diaspora.

In his remarks, state minister for

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade,Arnaldo Brown, said the 2015Biennial Conference will take placewithin the context of theGovernment’s efforts to spur eco-nomic growth, job creation, employ-ment and social development.

Brown, who has responsibility forthe Diaspora, said these efforts arebeing made within a frameworkwhere the Government is seekingto harmonize the requirements ofthe current International MonetaryFund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility,the core goals of Vision 2030, andthe Medium Term Economic prior-ity areas.

“In this regard, Jamaica and itsDiaspora need to collaborate toachieve short-term, medium-term,and long-term objectives forgrowth, development and prosper-ity,” he argued.

In the meantime, Brown said thisyear’s programme has been shapedto give greater emphasis to themutual benefits to Jamaica and itsDiaspora and to expand the globalreach of the Diaspora consistentwith the new Diaspora policy that isbeing developed.

INVESTMENTHe further informed that there

will be two focal areas for thisyear’s forum, which are investmentand trade and social services. Keyareas of focus will include educa-tion, health, and the creative

industries.Brown said the expected out-

comes include expressions of inter-est; commitment for specific invest-ment; equity investment throughthe main and junior markets of theJamaica Stock Exchange; andhuman capital utilising Diasporaskills and expertise for major proj-ects for economic growth and jobcreation.

The 2015 Diaspora Conference isbeing held under the theme:‘Jamaica and the Diaspora: Linkingfor Growth and Prosperity’.

Signature features will includethe ‘Marketplace Exposition’, fea-turing a range of local businessesand brands from various sectors,and the ‘Government at YourService’, which is a collaboration ofpublic sector agencies offeringattendees fast-tracked governmentservices.

The ‘Diaspora Day of Service’ hasbeen significantly broadened inscope in an effort to encouragecivic-minded Jamaicans to offertheir time, skills and resources tovarious community projects.

Scope of Jamaica DiasporaConference broadened

Prime MinisterPortia Simpson Miller

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THE WEEKLY GLEANER MAY 14 - 20, 2015 • 17

Daraine LutonGleaner Reporter

DESPITE BEING a Jamaicanand the first black man to beappointed a police chief inCanada, the Government’sefforts at diaspora engage-ment are yet to include adirect outreach to DevonClunis, head of the WinnipegPolice Service.

A son of Harmony Vale inSt Ann, Clunis is makingonly his third visit to theisland since migrating in1975 at the age of 11 yearsold. His first time back was1989, and then last year theCanadian High Commissionbrought him back to theisland.

Asked if there were effortsmade by the Jamaicanauthorities to reach out tohim and others to return andcontribute to their country,Clunis said “not directly”.

The Jamaica-born chief ofpolice in Winnipeg, alongwith a delegation from theNorth American country, wasin the island recently on ahumanitarian mission offer-ing assistance to

Missionaries of the Poor andthe Jessie Ripoll PrimarySchool in Kingston.

JOINT EFFORT“This initiative is some-

thing that we organise withthe Canadian HighCommission. There is ahuge passion for the coun-try. There are manyJamaicans in my city. Thereis a passion to come backand help the country,”Clunis said.

Arnaldo Brown, the minis-ter of state in the Ministryof Foreign Affairs andForeign Trade, has said thatJamaica values its diasporaand has been moving toinclude them in its affairs.

Last year, Jamaicalaunched a diaspora map-ping project, the objective ofwhich is to determine thelocation, interest and skillsof members of the diasporawhile building the JamaicanGovernment’s capacity to

more effectively and strate-gically engage its diaspora.

Brown said the projectwould allow the Governmentto be in a better position toengage Jamaicans in thediaspora and to utilise theirskills in areas that are criti-cal to the development of thecountry.

However, it appears thatmany Jamaicans of standingare still falling under on theradar of the Jamaicanauthorities.

Inspector Sonia Thomasfrom the Toronto Police wasborn in Canada, but both ofher parents are fromMontego Bay, St James.

Thomas has made fre-quent trips to the island andsays what she admires mostabout Jamaicans is “thestrength and tenacity of theJamaican people”.

“The strength of mymother is what brings meback to Jamaica every year,”Thomas said.

Clunis said that when heapplied to be a Winnipeg copin 1987, his main aim was tocrack the stereotype thatpolice cruisers’ back seatsare reserved for blacks. Twoyears later, he visitedJamaica to visit his grand-parents, but has always hadit in his intentions to “comeback to my homeland, but Iwould like to have some-thing to contribute”.

However, his career over-took him.

“In 2012, I was appointedchief of police and really did-n’t understand the signifi-cance of that appointment,of being the first black chiefof police in the history ofpolice. Last year inFebruary, the high commis-sion invited me to come andspeak and took me back tomy home community ofHarmony Vale. The entirecommunity came out.

“I just saw in those littleboys’ faces, I could seemyself at their age. It waslike coming full circle andseeing the dream that I hadof being able to come backto my home country andbeing able to contributesomething. That opportunityis there now. It really justrekindled that fire that I hadand I came back to Canadawith that burning desirethat I wanted to come backand do something,” saidClunis, who attendedBensenton All-Age School,rode donkeys in his commu-nity, and walked to school asa lad.

Diasporaoutreach yetto zoom inon Winnipegpolice chief RRuuddoollpphh BBrroowwnn/Photographer

Chief Devon Clunis, of the Winnipeg PoliceService and Inspector Sonia Thomas ofToronto Police Service speak at the Gleaner’sEditors forum on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

Canadian volunteersscore wellChristopher SerjuGleaner Reporter

A40-member contingent from Canada,comprising of police officers fromthree police districts and their civilian

support teams, left the island on Sunday,May 10 after what has already beendescribed as a very successful whirlwindweek of humanitarian activities directed atyoung and vulnerable groups, as well as alecture series at the National Police Collegeof Jamaica at Twickenham Park, StCatherine.

Inspector Natalie Palmer, of the JamaicaConstabulary Force’s Community Safety andSecurity Branch, a member of the liaisonsupport group, told The Gleaner that all thegroup’s objectives were met, but they wereparticularly heartened by the transformationat Jessie Ripoll Primary School, which wasthe main focus of their renovations effort.

This much was evident when the newspa-per caught up with members of the groupwho were involved in painting as well asrenovation of the library at the school earlierthis week.

“Man, this is serious work, what you meanby that?” Staff Sergeant Ezra ‘Tony’ Browneof the York Regional Police district in Ontarioresponded when The Gleaner suggested hewas having more fun than working.

“We’re helping kids for tomorrow, ourfuture. We help in giving them support,doing something for them that they couldprepare for their lives. So that’s very impor-tant,” he said.

“I’m really amazed at the appreciation thatthe administration of the school has shownfor us to do this work - the people, the stu-dents, the community who came out yester-day to assist us,” Staff Sergeant RonnieBoyce, of the Toronto Police Service,shared.

“It’s been phenomenal and we just want to

come down here and give back to Jamaica.Many of us are transplanted Jamaicans liv-ing in Toronto and we just wanted to giveback to the homeland and show that we areavailable to them if we have the opportu-nity.”

That was the general sentiment from thisvolunteer corps which was clearly enjoyingthe transformation that was evident as aresult of their hard work. Describing herselfas the ‘mouthpiece’ for this group ofCanadians with Caribbean (mostly Jamaican)roots, Shauna Bent, co-chair of the socialcommittee of the Toronto Police Service,explained that the project was born out ofthe accomplishment of Jamaica-born DevonClunis, who was appointed chief of theWinnipeg Police Service in October 2012.

“So in answering your question, ‘whatbrought us here?’ Chief Clunis and the rela-tionship that we have within those threepolice services (York, Toronto and Winnipeg)- that’s what brought us here.”

DESIRE TO GIVE BACKClunis, who is visiting Jamaica for the sec-

ond time in 16 months, told a GleanerEditors’ Forum on Wednesday that, havingleft Jamaica in 1975 at the age of 11, he hasalways had a desire to return.

“It was always my mindset that I wouldlike to come back to my homeland, but Iwould like to have something to contribute,”he told journalists at The Gleaner’s Kingstonoffices.

At Jessie Ripoll, Bent noted that the entireproject was self-funded.

“Everybody that you see here as a volun-teer is here on their own time, on their owndime. We have not received a single dollarfrom either the service or the Canadian gov-ernment,” she said\d. “We’re doing this all

Please see CANADIAN, 18

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ourselves because it was veryimportant for us to do thisand it was a dream of ChiefClunis and it was a dream ofmany of us.”

Jessie Ripoll Primary wasselected from a group ofschools that answered thecall for assistance by way ofbook donations and libraryand other renovations.

The handover of the refur-bished library, with animpressive donation of booksand other learning resourcematerial, is set for 10 o’clock

this morning and YvetteBlackburn, from the TorontoDistrict school board, thesole educator on the trip, isdelighted with this donation.

“We got books donatedfrom Rubicon Publishing andsome of the members boughtsupplies and things like thatto supplement what wasgiven to the school - othersupplies, book binders, pens,pencils, and then they gotresource materials. TheToronto District SchoolBoard has provided a lot ofresource material - text-books, different assessmenttool kits, to utilise diagnostictools for teachers to use intheir pedagogy in the cur-

riculum delivery and thenalso for the students to thensit and read to be able to bet-ter engage themselves inregards to their learning.”

Keith Merith, inspectorwith the York RegionalPolice district, summed upthings this way: “It’s been anabsolutely fantastic experi-ence. Just being able toassist, help and seeing theaccomplishments and thesmile on these young kids,their faces, the excitement ofhaving us here supportingthem, it’s been a blessing indisguise. It’s fantastic andwe will definitely do thisyear after year in somecapacity or another.”

THE WEEKLY GLEANER18 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

raising the level of engage-ment with the Diaspora.

• An Advisory Board hasbeen created to serve as abridge between theGovernment and theDiaspora.

• There has been theestablishment of theJamaican DiasporaFoundation and the JamaicaDiaspora Institute.

These institutions wereformed to deepen the collab-oration among stakeholdergroups, and the Institutefunctions as a centre ofresearch and information onthe Diaspora.

• Importantly too, therehas been the convening ofbiennial DiasporaConferences. TheseConferences provide a frame-work for the exchange ofideas and best practices.

They also create an oppor-tunity for the Government toupdate the JamaicanCommunity overseas on thenational policy priorities.

On behalf of the PrimeMinister, I use this opportu-nity to endorse the 6thBiennial Jamaica DiasporaConference, and to commendthe organizers.

I know that they haveworked tirelessly to ensurethat there is an interestingand useful programme ofactivities for the Conference.

The 6th BiennialConference is being posi-tioned as a global forum tomobilise Jamaicans world-wide.

We are cognisant of thefact that Jamaicans reside inevery corner of the globe,

therefore, broadening thescope of the Conference is astep in the right direction.

I also note that theBiennial Conferences are nolonger simply issues-based,but are also results-oriented.

This approach allows us tocome together to chart theway forward for the growthand prosperity of thisblessed nation.

It also sets the stage forour discussions to be trans-lated into action.

In our efforts to ensurethe sustainability of the

Diaspora Movement, wemust pay special attention tothe younger generation.

That is why at the 2013Conference, The Governmentof Jamaica endorsed theDiaspora Youth ConnectProject.

This project providesopportunities for FutureLeaders in the Diaspora toconnect with youth in vul-nerable communities inJamaica.

The aim is to assist ourJamaican youth to converttheir creative ideas into

income-generating activitiesand business ventures.

I am pleased to learn thatthe project is performingwell.

I thank the 12 volunteersfrom the Diaspora, who havetrained 154 youngJamaicans in business devel-opment and entrepreneur-ship.

A number of individualsfrom communities in St.James, Kingston and St.Andrew, have also beentrained as trainers to ensurethe sustainability of the proj-

ect.I invite other young people

from the Diaspora to becomea part of these initiatives.

Jamaicans in the Diasporapossess a wide range ofskills which can be of greatbenefit to our nation.

We are conducting aMapping Survey of ournationals overseas in aneffort to locate and tap thisreservoir of skills forJamaica’s long term develop-ment.

I encourage the membersof our Diaspora to partici-pate in this survey. It willassist in creating a databaseof Jamaicans worldwide whoare interested in contribut-ing to the nation’s develop-ment.

With that information, wecan better match the skills ofJamaicans overseas withopportunities that exist inJamaica.

As we launch the JamaicaDiaspora 2015, I am pleasedto learn that a feature of theConference this year willagain be the Day of Service.

You will recall that thisinitiative was first intro-duced at the 2013Conference.

This year it will beexpanded through the utili-sation of the SocialDevelopment Commission.

On the designated day,members of the Diaspora willcarry out their projects allacross the country, and notjust in western Jamaica.

I encourage widespreadparticipation in this worth-while venture aimed atbuilding communities.

Ladies and gentlemen, theSixth Biennial DiasporaConference marks a criticaljuncture in the Diasporaengagement process, as we

build on the successes ofprevious Conferences.

We are refining the mecha-nisms to strengthen the rela-tionship between theJamaican CommunityOverseas and theGovernment, communitiesand people here in Jamaica.

It therefore gives me greatpleasure, on behalf of thePrime Minister, to launchthe Diaspora Conference2015.

I look forward to seeingyou there in large numbers.

God bless you and Godbless Jamaica, land we love!

Excerpts of the PM’smessage at the officialMedia Launch of the 6thBiennial Jamaica DiasporaConference 2015 at theJamaica Pegasus Hotel onFriday, February 20, 2015,delivered by Foreign AffairsMinister, A.J. Nicholson.

Continued from 13JUNCTURE

JJIISS pphhoottooA high-level meeting between Arnaldo Brown, State Minister, Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade (second left), DianeEdwards, president JAMPRO( third left), Professor Neville Ying, executive director, Jamaica Diaspora Institute (JDI)and Chair, Conference Programme Committee ( second right), Lincoln Downer, acting director, Diaspora & ConsularAffairs Department (DCAD) ( first right) and Robert Scott, vice president , Marketing for the 6th Biennial JamaicaDiaspora Conference, scheduled for the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 13-18.

diasporafeature

A.J. Nicholson

JJeerrmmaaiinnee BBaarrnnaabbyy pphhoottooStudents from the Jessie Ripoll Primary School watch as Staff Sergeant Ron Boyce, of the Toronto Police Service,puts the finishing touches of paint on the outside of the schools’ library on Tuesday.

Continued from 17CANADIAN

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JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL reggaesuperstar Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell is offi-cially an Ambassador of the 6th Biennial

Diaspora Conference.As a member of the Diaspora who has

made significant contributions to Jamaicathrough his music and major charity endeav-ours, Shaggy is an ideal Ambassador for theDiaspora Conference.

Jamaicans and persons of Jamaicandescent overseas are invited to the globalforum every two years for updates on keymovements in the Jamaican economy and todiscuss opportunities for Diaspora invest-ment. The event exposes attendees to adiverse range of trade and investment oppor-tunities, whilst also seeking to further theDiaspora’s philanthropic involvement inJamaican communities.

Orville “Shaggy” Burrell as ConferenceAmbassador, will lend his voice to endorsingthe Conference at home and in the Diaspora- a development which has been welcomed byboth Ministers at the Ministry of ForeignAffairs and Foreign Trade.

“As one of Jamaica’s leading musicians anda cultural icon, Shaggy’s presence will helpus to bring Jamaicans home to the eventwhich promises to be a great business gener-ating occasion,” says Senator the Hon.Arnold J. Nicholson, QC, Minister of ForeignAffairs & Foreign Trade(MFAFT).

The Hon. Arnaldo Brown, MP, Minister ofState, MFAFT added, “I am pleased that hehas volunteered his support, and I look for-ward to working with him and other ambas-sadors on future initiatives.”

CONTACTRobert Scott, JAMPRO’s Vice President of

Export and Market Development and Head ofthe Marketing Sub-Committee for theConference is pleased that Shaggy will par-ticipate in the Conference as a brand ambas-sador. “From the initial contact, heexpressed a willingness to work with us. Heis an ideal person to serve as an ambassador

as he has the appeal to youth as well asJamaicans of all ages and serves as an exem-plary example of a successful GlobalJamaican giving back.”

The 2015 staging which has placed greateremphasis on engaging with the youngerDiaspora will feature presentations on invest-ment and trade opportunities and avenuesfor increasing Diaspora involvement inHealth, Education and community develop-ment, an exciting Marketplace (trade exposi-tion) with local and overseas exhibitors, fasttracked Services from a range of Governmentagencies, a golf tournament, and nightly spe-cial events. The six day programme con-cludes with the highly anticipated DiasporaDay of Service, during which members of theDiaspora will execute a range of projects incommunities island wide.

The conference takes place at the MontegoBay Convention Centre and the official hotel isthe Rose Hall Hilton Hotel. Further details areavailable at www.jamaicandiaspora.gov.jm.

Shaggy, Ambassador of Jamaica Diaspora Conference

Shaggy

THE WEEKLY GLEANER20 • MAY 14 - 20, 2015

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