Top things to know
- The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council held its north-east US conference in Philadelphia from October 23 to 24, 2026.
- Delegates proposed establishing a Diaspora Business and Investment Network, an Agricultural Partnership, and a Youth and Emerging Leaders Programme.
- State Minister Alando Terrelonge reported that remittances totaled US$3.12 billion in fiscal year 2025–2026, including a post-Hurricane Melissa surge.
- Organisers emphasized that proposed initiatives require further review before formal adoption, with a stakeholder forum planned for January 2027.
The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council conference for the north-east United States has concluded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, identifying key recommendations to strengthen economic cooperation and support Jamaica's national development. Held from October 23 to 24, 2026, under the theme 'One Diaspora, One vision, Advancing Jamaica Together', the two-day summit gathered representatives from business, finance, academia, and student communities to address existing gaps in support mechanisms and explore structured pathways for diaspora involvement.
Central among the summit's proposals is the establishment of a Diaspora Business and Investment Network. The proposed initiative aims to bridge communication gaps between diaspora business stakeholders and key Jamaican public and private institutions, creating a clearer structure for identifying and pursuing mutual economic opportunities. Organisers noted that while financial remittances remain the primary contribution from overseas Jamaicans, formalising investment channels through a dedicated network could unlock broader commercial collaborations, trade partnerships, and targeted capital support for Jamaican enterprise.
In addition to the business network, conference delegates advanced proposals for a Northeast US Diaspora Agricultural Partnership and a Youth and Emerging Leaders Programme. The agricultural initiative is designed to harness diaspora technical expertise and financial resources to bolster productivity among farmers in Jamaica. Meanwhile, the youth program intends to cultivate leadership capabilities and maintain strong civic links with emerging Jamaican leaders living in the United States. Discussions also covered a proposed Conference Implementation Framework tasked with prioritizing recommendations and guiding decisions into structured programs.
Addressing the status of the conference outcomes, Michelle Tulloch-Neil, head of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council for the north-east United States, clarified that the proposed measures remain prospective recommendations requiring thorough review. Tulloch-Neil emphasized that the recommendations need further consideration and final agreement, and therefore have not been formally presented as approved commitments or established programmes. To facilitate this review, planners are considering holding a stakeholder forum in January 2027 to evaluate feedback and reach final agreement on the proposed strategic measures.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge highlighted the significant financial backing provided by overseas communities. Terrelonge reported that remittances represent the diaspora's single-largest investment in Jamaica's development, with inflows totaling US$3.12 billion during the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. He underscored the critical role of these funds during national recovery efforts, noting that in the three months immediately following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans abroad sent home US$93 million more than during the same period in the previous year. Furthermore, December 2025 recorded an historic monthly high of US$296 million in remittance transfers.
Beyond direct financial flows, Terrelonge acknowledged the broad range of support provided by Jamaicans in the United States, including voluntary assistance, professional consultation, cultural advocacy, and sustained community engagement. During the summit, a business luncheon hosted by Terrelonge brought together around 40 business leaders from the north-east region to examine investment, trade, entrepreneurship, financial education, and joint initiatives. The conference also included informative sessions on immigration matters, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal rights when interacting with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Terrelonge gave assurances that the Jamaican government is actively exploring how best to incorporate several proposals from the 11th Jamaica Diaspora Biennial Conference, held in Montego Bay in June 2026, into the administration's national development agenda.