Caribbean news. Our Heritage, Our Legacy Working together to build a sustainable Diaspora Movement 13-15 June, 2014 Keynote Address: Caribbean Diaspora Engagement
Question: How does the CSME agreement influence the Caribbean Diasporas engagement and collaboration in the UK?
How can we mobilise the Caribbean Diasporas in the UK to influence policies and gain resolve for key issues impacting the wider Caribbean Diaspora in the UK?
Ruel Johnson. Photo courtesy caribbean-beat.com
Date & Time: Friday – 13, June, 15.15 – 16.45 (90 mins)
Overview: The Caribbean has one of the largest Diasporic communities in the world, in proportion to its population. In addition the composition of people from the Caribbean is also quite unique. As noted by Ruel Johnson^ (2003) ‘…we are, essentially – and to a great degree, uniquely – societies or a society composed primarily of diasporas…..from Africa, Asia and Europe…’.
Today, in our host countries, each Caribbean country’s Diaspora [on its own] wields limited influence. However if united, informed and suitably mobilised, the Caribbean Diaspora community gains international presence and a lobby power which can significantly increase its influence and ability to favorably impact policies in host countries. This collaboration of Caribbean Diasporas could further advance economic and social integration within CARICOM and potentially tap into new opportunities for investment and trade within the region.
As noted by former PM to Jamaica, The Honourable PJ Patterson in his CARICOM, 30th Anniversary Lecture : “I assert that the job of building the kind of Caribbean Society we desire is not restricted to those who are physically located within the geographic confines of the Caribbean Sea. The “people” boundaries of CARICOM are not confined to the physical boundaries of our regional homelands. The living boundaries of CARICOM are to be found wherever CARICOM nationals or their progeny reside and work.” ^‘The Caribbean Diaspora’ – Ruel Johnson (2003)
Former Jamaica PM P J. Paterson
Summary: The workshop will explore: Best practise in sustaining cooperative and impactful relations between Caribbean home countries and their Diaspora Movements in the UK The potential impact the Caribbean Diaspora may have in the UK Means through which we improve integration of the Diasporas The practical next steps that the JDUK and other Caribbean Diaspora Community groups should take to encourage and develop the role of the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK.
See Joining pack: Joining Pack (F&P)-JDUK Our Heritage, Our Legacy National Conference-v2
Summary of Conference and Speakers: Summary of Conference 2014 Sessions and Speakers v1-25 05 14
