On Monday 18th March the Jamaica High Commission staged a special public meeting in recognition of the presence of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon. Arnaldo Brown MP, who also has responsibility for Diaspora affairs.
Reverend Lloyd Denny blessing meeting
The event began with a prayer delivered by Reverend Lloyd Denny followed swiftly by an introduction of all dignitaries including Mr Franklyn Walters, Diaspora Marketing Manager, Western Union; Mrs Paulette Simpson, Senior Manager Corporate and Public Affairs, Jamaica National Building Society; Mrs Delores Cooper, Director Victoria Mutual Finance Ltd., by Deputy High Commissioner Mrs Diedre Mills.
Deputy High Commissioner Diedre Mills
Minister Brown was introduced to a full house by High commissioner Hon. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba who pointed out, among other things that the minister, in spite of his youthful appearance is eminently qualified and capable to discharge his many official duties including those pertinent to the Jamaican Diaspora overseas.
Jamaica High Commissioner Aloun Ndombet-Assamba
The supremely energetic minister from East Central St Catherine, Portmore sprung to his feet with a witty response to the High Commissioners remarks about his accomplishments and got straight down to business. Minister Brown a political science graduate who uses representational politics as his vehicle for service outlined the significance of the Caribbean Diaspora to the Caribbean and stressed the value of the Jamaican Diaspora to Jamaica.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon. Arnaldo Brown MP
While setting out the focus for this year’s 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2013, to be that of trade and investment the minister made it clear that the government of Jamaica is looking for a win win proposition. The feeling is that Jamaicans in the Diaspora should be encouraged to invest in the many viable industries back home and be treated with respect equal to that accorded to foreign investors.
Audience members listening attentively to Minister Brown
Minister Brown outlined the abominable US$1 billion food import bill as unacceptable and the government’s plan to reduce this to US$500,000,000 over the next few years through agricultural centres and other initiatives.
Western Union’s Franklyn Walters
He mentioned the huge opportunity for Jamaica to become a logistics hub for the Caribbean given its favourable geographical location and proximity to the United States and the Panama Canal.
Mrs Paulette Simpson, Senior Manager Corporate and Public Affairs, Jamaica National Building Society
The minister was particularly chuffed when he told guests about the growing but largely unknown opportunity for Jamaicans in the Diaspora to invest in what he called the ‘nostalgic food industry’… canned local foods attractive to foreign markets. He made the point that though there are other players in the market such as Chinese, Indians and so on, there are NO Jamaicans involved in the distribution of such goods presenting an enormous opportunity for enterprising Jamaicans.
Mrs Delores Cooper, Director Victoria Mutual Finance Ltd.,
In summary Minister Brown pointed out that despite prevailing economic circumstances Jamaica is modernising but his and his government’s fear is that if the Diaspora doesn’t get involved in nation building through trade and investment they may lose their birthright to non-Jamaicans.
Mr Laurence Jones, Regional Manager, Europe for JAMPRO speaks of the the organisation’s successes and need for Jamaicans to invest in Jamaica.
He cited the likes of the Chinese investing in sugar and infrastructure; Irishman, Denis O’Brian founded DIGICEL; the French constructing roads; and the Spanish at the forefront of hotels / resort construction. In closing the minister emphasised the need for a repositioning of the current perspectives and understanding; and that greater dialogue should take place between the Diaspora and government to ensure Jamaicans close ranks and build Jamaica.
Mr Lloyd Anthony Wilks, Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Jamaica
Following was a brief presentation by Mr Lloyd Anthony Wilks, Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Jamaica who reiterated the focus of the 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2013, under the theme: A Nation on a mission: Jamaica Diaspora Partnership for Development, and provided some insight into the travel, accommodation, registration arrangements and the conduct of the four day conference.
Keen member of audience, Lante Yan’kyaa poses question about Jamaican youth prospects
Mr Wilks took the opportunity to inform the gathering that the government’s additional mandate with respect to the Diaspora is to focus on linking government priorities with Diaspora initiatives.
Chairman, Caribbean Enterprise Network (CENUK) Devon Thomas introduces the organisation and pledges support for Diaspora Conference
Senior representatives of the three main sponsors of the event Western Union; Jamaica National Building Society; and Victoria Mutual Finance Ltd., made short presentations on their continued support for the conference and spelt out the rationale for their unstinted dedication to the success of this annual event.
Aggrieved Jamaican concerned about security arrangements for Jamaican returnees or investors
Mr Laurence Jones, Regional Manager, Europe for JAMPRO spoke briefly on JAMPROs commitment to the objects of the conference and their partnership with the ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while providing an historical overview of the agency’s stewardship in the United Kingdom, Toronto and Jamaica. He mentioned the possibility of the first Diaspora business process outsourcing and call centre being launched in Portmore Jamaica within months.
Mandingo makes point to the minister about mental emancipation
The JAMPRO official, who will speak more on investment opportunities for the Diaspora in Jamaica at The Caribbean and You seminar, urged attendees to seek joint venture partnerships for investment and called upon all to promote the conference and also to contact JAMPRO if they have any queries about investment or trade to Jamaica.
Multitalented Sherika Miller, founder of Island Dreams champions the cause of small to medium sized businesses unable to compete for concessions
There was quite a vibrant question and answer session which unearthed many concerns from the Diaspora including the need for the government to work on the attitude of civil servants and general customer service practitioners towards visiting or returning Jamaicans. More of this will be discussed at the upcoming The Caribbean and You seminar.
Mr Sylbourne Sydial, Director of Facilitators for a Better Jamaica expresses concern about (1) overseas Jamaicans’ ability to participate in the local parliamentary process; and (2) institutional protection for Jamaican investors.
The issue of the lack of economic progress since political independence was muted as a travesty and the country is in a 999 State of Emergency and needs urgent government attention. The question of trade or investment concessions was raised as a matter of some concern.
Voice Newspaper Publisher George Ruddock makes valiant appeal for government to support media
Ms Sherika Miller, an enterprising young professional raised the point about the rationale of the government emphasising concessions being granted to large firms and the implications to small to medium sized businesses without the clout or financial resources to invest at the scale that would attract concessions.
CENUK’s Director of Operations, Denis St Bernard right with Mr Lloyd Wilks, Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
Reggae Promoter Mandingo put it to the minister that mental independence needed to achieve political and economic independence in Jamaica and asked him what the government plans are to address this matter.
While one attendee, Mr Sylbourne Sydial, director of Facilitators for a better Jamaica was concerned about the level of exposure Jamaican investors face relative to their Chinese and other foreign counterparts. He also intimated the potential role of Jamaicans in the Diaspora in the local parliamentary process, something he would like the government to give consideration at the conference.
Officials Diane Edwards, Director J Wray & Nephew; Delores Cooper, Director Victoria Mutual; and Rev. Lloyd Denny
Newly installed chairman of the Caribbean Enterprise Network (CENUK) Mr Devon Thomas, introduced the organisation and indicated their interest to assist with preparing fledgling businesses and entrepreneurs to access global markets and the need for strategic partnerships in meeting the demands of an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
A satisfied High Commissioner, Aloun Ndombet-Assamba
The minister was diligent in his responses to all questions raised and took the opportunity to again stress his appreciation for the large turnout and invited all to attend the upcoming 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2013, from June 16th to 19th at Ritz Carlton Montego Bay.
Guests were then treated to an array of refreshments and engaged in networking that went on for about an hour.
