Montego Bay diaspora conference draws 500 delegates as Jamaica rolls out health, church and child protection updates

More than 500 delegates from around the world have assembled at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James for the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which runs from June 14 to 18 under the theme Diaspora Partnerships, Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica.

On day one, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, said Jamaicans overseas remain one of the nation’s greatest assets. Through remittances, investments, philanthropy, skills transfer, mentorship, and advocacy, he told the gathering that the diaspora continues to make an invaluable contribution to national development. He also described overseas Jamaicans as brand ambassadors linking Jamaica to global markets, opportunities, expertise, and networks.

Terrelonge further stressed that policies must be shaped by sound information and practical experience. “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, policies and strategies must be informed by reliable data, sound research, and practical experience,” he said. “The expertise represented in this room offers a tremendous resource for advancing knowledge and strengthening the capacity of our institutions to respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities.”

Seven members of Jamaica’s global diaspora received the 2026 Governor General’s Achievement Awards during a ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Center on Monday, with Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen taking part. The honours, traditionally presented to Jamaicans in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, now extend to citizens in Africa, Asia, mainland Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.

Sir Patrick said the programme’s reach reflects the growth of the global Jamaican family. This year’s awardees are Asha Richards, Dr. Richard M. White, Christina McPherson, Lisa Rattray, Carl Samuels, Dr. Nickeisha Johnson, and Dr. Sandra Collymore Durand. He commended their service and thanked diaspora communities for mobilising support after Hurricane Melissa. Awards are presented in two categories: persons aged 18 to 35, and individuals 35 years and older.

In Trelawny, 74 churches will benefit from more than $12 million in grant funding under the government’s community churches clean-up and restoration initiative, implemented through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development with support from the Social Development Commission. Minister Desmond McKenzie said the Trelawny ceremony marked the third official disbursement under the programme, aimed at helping churches recover from Hurricane Melissa damage. He noted that churches in St. Elizabeth are still using halls to shelter persons affected by the storm, and said thousands of churches were assessed to identify facilities needing help. McKenzie indicated the government will seek an additional $50 million to extend assistance nationwide, building on an initial $75 million commitment for 420 churches in the five parishes hardest hit by the hurricane.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has begun rolling out measures to strengthen support for Jamaica’s ageing population through community-based care. Portfolio Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said trainer workshops are under way to build caregiver capacity, while collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is being considered to use schools and training institutions as sites. Pilot geriatric clinics are slated for St. Ann and St. Catherine. “We have identified two sites. We’re working those. So, when you go to those geriatric clinic, it will have all the supporting ecosystem for people to go without stairs, bathroom friendly, seating arrangement, plus the doctors are trained to support geriatric care,” Tufton said.

Cascade Primary and Infant School in Portland has become the first school on the island to achieve 100 per cent compliance with the National School Nutrition Policy, earning recognition at a ceremony on Thursday. Tufton hailed the milestone as proof schools can provide nutritious meals and promote healthier lifestyles. State Minister of Education Rhoda Moy Crawford pointed to the ministry’s $9 billion allocation this year for the National School Feeding Program. Principal Icilyn Bailey said the achievement reflected collective effort across the school community.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. urged Jamaicans to remain vigilant and report suspected child labour and exploitation, speaking at the World Day Against Child Labour Jingle Competition Awards Ceremony on Friday. He said keeping children out of school to work remains one of the clearest warning signs. Charles Jr. encouraged the public to report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or child labour through the Child Protection and Family Services Agency’s 24-hour hotline at 211. The competition was held under the theme “Red Card to Child Labor, Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”