Jamaica's diaspora gathers in Montego Bay next week
The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference (14–18 June) is part homecoming, part business summit — and this year the pitch is investment, not just remittance.
The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference runs 14–18 June at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, with legacy partners GraceKennedy, JN Group and VM Group on hand and sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce featured on a panel. GraceKennedy will showcase its GK One wallet — remittances, bill payment and a prepaid card tied to a Jamaican TRN and government ID.
Beneath the music and food, the framing has shifted: officials are openly describing the diaspora as a “reservoir of capital, knowledge and influence,” and Hurricane Melissa recovery remains a live thread in the conversation.
What this means for you: If you’re attending, the practical wins are in the “Government at Your Service” booths — sort a TRN, ID or pension question in person. If you’re not, the conference outcomes (any new diaspora investment vehicle or representation reform) are worth tracking afterward.