Eleventh Jamaica Diaspora Conference Opens in Montego Bay with Climate Resilience Theme

The ceremonial opening of the eleventh biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference was held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, marking the formal start of a gathering that runs from June 14 to 18.

The conference assembles Jamaicans living abroad alongside government representatives, business leaders, young delegates, and development partners. Its aim is to deepen ties between the island and its worldwide community and to turn shared interest into practical cooperation.

This year's programme is anchored by the theme "Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica." Organisers have set out several priorities for the week: strengthening links with diaspora groups, channelling overseas investment, skills, and charitable support, advancing climate adaptation and infrastructure recovery, promoting trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and widening youth participation and leadership across generations.

Among those closely linked to the event, Kamina Johnson Smith has stressed how vital diaspora input remains to Jamaica's national progress. Earl Jarrett has described the conference as a significant homecoming moment and a chance to build lasting partnerships between Jamaicans at home and abroad.