News Americas, BOSTON, MA., Tues. June 12, 2012: Plans are in high gear for the biennial conference of the Jamaica Diaspora – USA/Northeast Region.
The event is set for June 15-16, 2012 under the theme, “Jamaica: The Pursuit of Fellowship & Prosperity – The Next 50 Years.” It will also include the celebration of Jamaica Diaspora Day on June 16th.
Organizers say this conference is critical as it relates to some key areas of concern for Jamaicans in the region as well as those at home, including education, human rights, tourism and trade and investment.
According to Patrick Beckford, Chairman of the NE Diaspora, “As Jamaica celebrates its 50th Year of Independence; the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast is committed to galvanizing the community to utilize the vast skill set that the Diaspora possesses in the continued development of Jamaica.”
is calling on every Jamaican to attend the conference to discuss how best to channel their resources for nation building in the US and Jamaica.
The two-day conference kicks off on Friday, June 15 at 6:30 PM, with a reception and community event at Island Pride Function Hall, 986 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester.
Keynote speakers for the evening will be the NY Consul General Herman LaMont and the newly appointed Honorary Consul in Boston, Desmond McKenzie, Esq. The Friday event is free and open to the public.
On Saturday, June 16, the plenary session ia scheduled to take place at Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, will be addressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Jamaica, Hon. A.J. Nicholson.
Attendees can expect to be updated on the Jamaica Diaspora Bond (JPB). In addition, conference organizers are hoping that the Minister will use the opportunity to underline the government’s commitment to the growth, involvement and engagement of the Diaspora.
A senior representative of the US State Department has accepted the region’s invitation to be a part of a panel discussion to address Human Rights issues as it relates to Jamaicans in both the Diaspora and Jamaica. The Northeast Diaspora Board feels this is a real show of the willingness of the current administration to engage the Jamaican community in a real way.
According to the co-chair of the organizing committee, Donahue Bailey of Philadelphia, PA, over the past 2 years, a group led by the Chairman, has been in dialogue with the State Department, “building a solid relationship that will lead to fruitful and tangible opportunities for Jamaicans.”
Advisory Board Member for the region, Irwine Clare, Sr., has emphasized that, “both from a government stand point and the community’s, it is critical that at this juncture of our golden jubilee, we as a people need to stop the habit of finding excuses as to why we cannot be engaged and become more active, ‘because it is only when we stand together as a community, much will be achieved.”
The event is opened to all Jamaicans in the US. Information on the conference and registration details can be gathered from www.jamaicadiaspora.org website or by calling 610-940-1716. Cost is $35 per person; students: $20(with student ID) and meals are included.
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