North-east US conference to target investments in Jamaica
Originally published by Jamaica Observer Read the original
NEW YORK, USA — Jamaicans in the north-east United States are preparing to convene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the second annual Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) conference for the region.
In a statement the organisers of the conference, which is scheduled for October 23 and 24, said it will be used to connect business owners, investors, corporate leaders, and anyone committed to Jamaica’s future development.
The organisers added that the conference will also use dynamic presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions in an effort to develop long-term connections between Jamaica’s Diaspora and investors.
“We are committed to connecting, mobilising and empowering Jamaicans, and friends of Jamaica, across the north-east US to strengthen meaningful partnership with the island. Through advocacy, collaboration, education, investment, service and cultural engagement, we are seeking to transform diaspora goodwill and resources into sustainable opportunities,” Michelle Tulloch-Neil, the GJDC representative for the region, told the Jamaica Observer.
“We are committed to building a united and inclusive diaspora, one that moves beyond remittances and individual contributions towards strategic partnerships, collective action and measurable impact,” added Tulloch-Neil.
The conference, which will be held under the theme ‘One Diaspora, One Vision. Advancing Jamaica Together’, will take place at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Jamaica’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Brian Wallace will deliver the keynote address on the opening day of the conference, while newly appointed Consul General to New York Oliver Mair will be the keynote speaker on the closing day.
Other speakers confirmed for the event include Dr Gary Rhule, a former head of the health and human service for the city of Hartford in Connecticut, and Neil Curtis of Farm Up Jamaica.
The GJDC for the north-east US comprise 14 states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.