10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

Join us in Montego Bay from 16-19 June, for an unforgettable Diaspora homecoming experience of heritage, innovation, and collaboration.

By The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Location

Montego Bay Convention Centre

Montego Bay Convention Centre Montego Bay, St. James Parish Jamaica

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

Agenda

PRECONFERENCE
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
POST CONFERENCE

Sunday, June 16 2024

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Diaspora Church Service


Begin the Conference week in spiritual reflection and unity at the Church Service, organized by the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches. This solemn gathering sets the tone for the week's activities, ...

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pre-conference Registration


Get fully prepared to dive into the week's activities without delay. Register early, collect your conference materials, and familiarize yourself with the venue layout and program schedule.

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Official Opening Reception


Commence the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in style at our Official Opening Reception on Sunday evening. This gala event, requiring formal attire, welcomes registered delegates, dignitari...

About this event

  • 3 days 10 hours

As we gather in Montego Bay from different corners of the globe, this in-person Conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it's a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register now to be a part of this historic homecoming.


ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Biennial Conference convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, remains the signature event in Jamaica’s effort to meaningfully engage with Jamaicans dispersed around the globe and encourage their involvement in shaping the island’s future.

This year, as we mark 20 years of Diaspora engagement and the Conference’s milestone 10th staging, we welcome your participation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, to reconnect, re-engage, and co-create new pathways for Jamaica’s transformation, under the theme 'United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment."

The comprehensive programme is designed to foster crucial conversations around Security, Business, Trade, Investment, Community Development, The Orange Economy, Health, Technology and Education. Activities will include official ceremonies, nightly special events, the Governor-General's Diaspora Achievement Awards, interwoven cultural entertainment, excursions and a bustling Marketplace of goods and services to do business. The Conference culminates with the Diaspora Day of Service.

This event is a great chance to connect with fellow Jamaicans living abroad, explore business opportunities and learn more about how you can contribute to the growth and development of our beautiful island.

Join Us in June!


Anyone of Jamaican descent, who resides outside of Jamaica or in Jamaica, can attend and participate. There are no restrictions.

This Conference is a call to all Jamaicans – 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation, young professionals, Conference stalwarts, entrepreneurs, creatives, philanthropists, investors and community pillars.

If you want a stake in Jamaica’s future and have a desire to contribute to our national narrative or seek to connect with your roots or explore business opportunities, this event is for you.

Bookings are now open! ✨

OUR PARTNER HOTELS - OCEAN 10:

Ocean Coral Springs and Ocean Eden Bay.
The all-inclusive sister properties of our Accommodations Partner - Ocean 10 Hotels ,offer a luxurious experience with exclusive suites, 10 themed restaurants and a wide range of sports and entertainment options, including a children’s water playground.

Ocean Coral Springs Room rates [includes taxes]

  • Single Occupancy - starts at US$233.55 per person per night
  • Double Occupancy - starts at US$182.70 per person per night

Ocean Eden Bay Room rates [includes taxes]

  • Single Occupancy - starts at US$241.65 per person per night
  • Double Occupancy - starts at US$190.80 per person per night

CLICK HERE to get the Ocean 10 booking forms to learn more and make your reservation


OUR PARTNER HOTELS - IBEROSTAR

Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, Montego Bay

Iberostar's Rose Hall Beach, Selection Rose Hall Suites and Iberostar Grand Rose Hall properties in Montego Bay, perfectly blend luxury with comfort. These all-inclusive resorts feature elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and world-class spas. With beachfront access, they offer a serene, luxurious stay, showcasing the best of Jamaican hospitality.

Iberostar -Rose Hall Beach- Room rates [includes taxes]

  • Single Occupancy - starts at US$309.75 per person per night
  • Double Occupancy - starts at US$177 per person per night

Iberostar -Selection Rose Hall Suites- Room rates [includes taxes]

  • Single Occupancy - starts at US$434 per person per night
  • Double Occupancy - starts at US$248 per person per night

Iberostar -Grand Rose Hall- Room rates [includes taxes]

  • Single Occupancy - starts at US$551 per person per night
  • Double Occupancy - starts at US$315 per person per night

CLICK HERE to access the Iberostar booking site to learn more and make your reservation.


Discover the heartbeat of opportunity at the Diaspora Marketplace. This vibrant hub at the Conference is your avenue to engage directly with local and Diaspora-based businesses, entrepreneurs, and government entities, offering good and services, unique opportunities and innovative solutions.

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore new markets, find real estate and other investment prospects or purchase Jamaican products and services, the Marketplace is an unmissable destination.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in showcasing your business or services? Don’t miss out on your chance to make connections and position your brand and business at the forefront of the Jamaican Diaspora community. Multiple touch points are on offer and include:

  • Exhibit at the Marketplace
  • Sponsor a session
  • Advertise in the Conference magazine,
  • Brand on our multi-media screens
  • Sponsor a luncheon

>>> DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE PROSPECTUS<<<

Cap off an inspiring conference with action. The Diaspora Day of Service is dedicated to members of the Diaspora’s giving tangible contributions of time and resources to bring positive change to local communities.

Plan in advance with your organisation or group and create your project, big or small to make a lasting impact. Lead a clean-up campaign, conduct a workshop, carry out a medical mission, host a treat for the elderly, train a cohort of at risk kids, paint a school classroom, conduct a drama class with teenagers or renovate a school's classroom or bathrooms.

The possibilities are endless. Your initiative will contribute directly to the development and upliftment of fellow Jamaicans, exemplifying the Diaspora’s tangible impact in the lives of Jamaicans at home.

For more information, contact the Secretariat:
diasporaconference@mfaft.gov.jm


"One Stop Shop for Public Services" - While at the Conference, take full advantage of fast-tracked government services available exclusively to registered attendees. We have made it convenient for Diaspora attendees to access a wide range of essential public services all in one place.

CLICK HERE TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE FOR DOING BUSINESS
Complete this brief form and indicate your interest in services from any one or more, of the Agencies or Ministry participating in this special Conference feature. They will follow up with you to provide personalized assistance and information so you can prepare well in advance, for doing business with them at the Conference.

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES AND MINISTRY

  1. Administrator General’s Department
  2. Companies Office of Jamaica
  3. Jamaica Customs Agency
  4. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
  5. National Education Trust
  6. National Housing Trust
  7. National Insurance Scheme
  8. National Land Agency
  9. Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency
  10. Registrar General’s Department
  11. Tax Administration Jamaica
  12. Trade Board Limited

Frequently asked questions

What is the Jamaica Diaspora Conference?

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a biennial event convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fireign Trade, that connects Jamaicans worldwide with Jamaicans at home to discuss and shape the future of Jamaica, fostering collaboration in areas like business, culture, and development.

When and where will the Conference be held?

The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will take place from June 16-19, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Diaspora Day of Service follows, on June 20, 2024.

What does the registration fee cover?

The fee covers access to: Conference sessions, the Marketplace, Opening Ceremony, Evening events, Lunch; Coffee Breaks on the days registered. Full registrants will receive a Conference Tote Bag. Daily & 2-Day registrants will receive the Conference Folder. NB - Airport transfers are not included.

Can I attend only 1 Day of the Conference?

Yes, single-day passes are available. However, to experience the full benefits of the Conference, we encourage full participation.

How do I register for the Conference?

You can register online on this site. Please click on "GET TICKETS" above, to complete your registration.

I want to place an advertisement for my business/organisation in the Conference magazine.

You're welcome to do so! Please contact the Secretariat at diasporaconference@mfaft.gov.jm or download the Conference Prospectus which can be found under the section above, dedicated to the Diaspora Marketplace.

Who should I contact for more information?

For more information, please email the Conference Secretariat at diasporaconference@mfaft.gov.jm and we will be happy to assist you.

Is there a discount for early registration?

Yes. Early Bird rates apply for person who register before or by Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.. Please register early to take advantage of this special offer.

Are there special accommodation rates for Conference attendees?

Yes, we have negotiated special rates with our Accommodations Partners Iberostar and Ocean 10 Hotels: Ocean Eden Bay and Ocean Coral Springs in Montego Bay. Please refer to the Hotel and Accommodations section for details and you can click the link to make your arrangements.

How can I participate in the Diaspora Day of Service?

You can sign up to participate in or lead a service project you have created as an individual or part of a group. Please click the link in the Diaspora Day of Service section on this site.

Can I register later, at the Conference?

While on-site registration may be available, we strongly recommend registering in advance to ensure your participation and to take advantage of pre-conference benefits.

Organized by

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) of Jamaica orchestrates the nation's foreign policy and trade, while its Diaspora Engagement Department actively fosters connections with the global Jamaican community, leveraging these relationships for national development.

Early bird discount
$75 – $160