Jamaica's Diaspora Conference Lands in Montego Bay June 14 as Remittances Go Digital

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference runs June 14-18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, with GraceKennedy on as a legacy partner across its food and financial-services arms. Underneath the headline programming sits a sharper policy push: officials and bankers want the diaspora to graduate from household remittances toward structured investment.

Why it matters: remittances still anchor the economy, with inflows up in early 2026 and February the strongest month in years, partly tied to post-Melissa rebuilding. But the channel is changing shape. Money-transfer operators are steering customers from the counter to the app, which lowers cost and friction while removing the in-person ritual many senders valued.

Practical read for senders: if you are still using a physical counter, compare the digital rate and fee against it before the next transfer; the spread is where your money leaks. For those weighing a larger commitment, the conference is the place to test investment pitches against real terms.

See Money & Movement for corridor pricing and the Jamaica hub for ongoing coverage.

Source: Jamaica Observer; Bank of Jamaica; CNW Network.