OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 19, 2020

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 15 - O CTOBER 21, 2020 | www .jamaica-gleaner.com | I T HE JAMAICAN diaspora is defined as the collective of long-term emigrants and their descendants, who are currently resident abroad. As Jamaica welcomes home its citizens from countries across the globe there is a renewed commitment to improving the nature of this relationship. A draft of the National Diaspora Policy (NDP) has been approved by Cabinet as a Green Paper for presentation to Parliament. Minister of Foreign Affairs and ForeignTrade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, says the policy “provides an institutional framework and a road map for cohesive engagement and partnership with the Jamaican Diaspora, which is dispersed across so many countries”. “The policy is aligned to Vision 2030 as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and envisions that by 2030 there will be transformative empowerment of the Jamaican diaspora to realise their fullest potential in their countries of residence, while optimising their contributions to national development,” she added. 2 RETURNING RE SIDENTS FEATURE THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | Jamaica’s diaspora – empowered and engaged An attentive group listens to a presentation on Jamaica Diaspora Day. FILE Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson poses for a selfie with (from left) Susan Graham, her husband, Bishop Llewellyn Graham, and Beverley Johnson, all from the United Kingdom, at the official opening ceremony for the 8th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. FILE MIGRATION HAS been a significant feature of the historical and anthropological development of Jamaica. Jamaicans have played a prominent role in the development of much of the Caribbean, Central and North America, as well as the United Kingdom. Evidently driven by the single- minded purpose to generate wealth and return home to contribute to the social and economic welfare of their beloved homeland, many Jamaicans have returned and have made invaluable contributions to the country’s growth and development. Their transfer of technology, skills and resources have yielded many positive results and stimulated creative ideas, thereby making our island home a better place for all of us to live. In support of this much- desired outcome, the draft National Diaspora Policy was purposefully designed and has been mainstreamed through consultations nationally and across the diaspora. Having accomplished this important objective, you can be assured that the appropriate formula for the participation of all stakeholders in the development agenda of Jamaica is guaranteed. Through the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, as well as its youth counterpart, Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, we have been able to create the desired coherence between diaspora philanthropy and Vision 2030 National Development Plan. JAMAICANS IN THE DIASPORA Although we have put in place solid domestic policies, we must remain cognisant of the ever- changing global political and economic environment and adopt new and effective ways of doing business. Jamaicans in the diaspora as well as returned residents have played a commendable role in supporting this process. It is in fact a demonstration of what we can achieve together. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica was experiencing real growth in the economy, increases in tourist visitor arrivals, robust job creation as well as sustained buoyancy in the building construction and road rehabilitation sectors. In brief, we were well on track to achieve our national development goals.With the advent of the pandemic, the Government of Jamaica took special measures to respond to the impacts on the health, education and economic sectors. The process of rebuilding has in fact begun, although we have all had to make appropriate adjustments in managing the pandemic. With this in mind, we are actively streamlining efficient processes to facilitate a‘red carpet’experience in all areas for a smooth transition for those of you who wish to return. I implore you to choose Jamaica as your first choice to‘Live, Work, Raise Families and Do Business’. As Minister of State with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, I amparticularly excited to become fully immersed and engaged in diaspora partnership. As such, I extend my sincere appreciation to members of the diaspora, returned residents, and of course themany friends of Jamaica for their unwavering support, particularly in challenging times. We look forward to continuing to engage our diaspora and returnees as we continue to work safe but work smarter, in building a better and stronger Jamaica. Senator Leslie Campbell Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Building a better and stronger Jamaica Senator Leslie Campbell, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. CONTRIBUTED MESSAGE