Kingston, Jamaica, 2 July 2026
The Government says it has made engagement with Jamaicans overseas a strategic national priority, pointing to a sharply expanded diaspora council and strong attendance at last month’s Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.
Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, told the conference that the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council had grown from an eight-member advisory board before 2016 to 30 representatives today. A Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council has also been strengthened as part of the same effort.
Wider reach
Mr Terrelonge said the council now has representatives in Australia, Africa, the Middle East, Western Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, alongside the traditional diaspora centres. The broad spread, he explained, reflects the Government’s recognition that Jamaicans live all over the world.
He also highlighted the role of Honorary Consuls and other officials in making sure Jamaicans abroad can access services and remain connected to home.
While remittances contribute significantly to the economy, the minister said the expertise, collaboration and fresh perspectives of overseas Jamaicans working as professionals and leaders are just as important to national progress. He cited the 1,200 registered attendees at the conference as evidence of a concerted approach by the Government.
Trade as well as ties
Dr Shauna Chin, Vice Chair of the council, said representatives in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America have been working to deepen engagement in their regions. Initiatives include regional conferences and efforts to identify trade openings, such as introducing Jamaican sugar to new markets in Latin America.
What it means for diaspora property owners
A larger and more geographically diverse council gives overseas Jamaicans more channels to raise the problems they face at home, and property is often near the top of that list. Buying, building, managing tenants or resolving family land from thousands of miles away can be slow and costly.
Diaspora members with land or housing interests in Jamaica may find it worthwhile to contact their regional council representative or local Honorary Consul, both to stay informed about Government programmes and to make sure issues such as titling delays, property fraud and building approvals are heard by policymakers.
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