Website: http://www.diaspora.org.jm

Ministry of Foreign Affairs And Foreign Trade, Diaspora & Consular Affair Dept., 21 Dominica Drive
Kingston 5
E-mail: info@diaspora.org.jm

Background
Jamaica has a strong and vibrant Diaspora. Currently, there are several stakeholder groups interested in deepening the linkages between these Jamaicans residing abroad and those at home. Among these groups are the Government, the remittance companies, various Jamaica private sector bodies and a number of community based organizations in the Diaspora. In the absence of a central entity providing oversight, these stakeholder groups have often pulled separately, although they have typically shared similar objectives.

Only recently has the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade been given the specific mandate of serving as a ‘bridge’ between these various groups. There is, however, a need for anentity, operating independently of the State, to coordinate the efforts of the various stake holder groups.

A number of other countries with large migrant communities have recently moved to establish independent foundations in order to facilitate and deepen the linkages with their Diaspora and to promote the development of their nationals at home and abroad. Among these countries are the Dominican Republic, Brazil, South Africa, Ireland, Israel and India.

Following this tradition, it is proposed that Conference endorse the formation of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation.
Purpose
The principal goals of the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation will be to:
•    Strengthen the links and support systems between Jamaicans residing abroad and those at home and to deepen the collaboration and cooperation between the stakeholder groups that serve them.
 
•     Facilitate and increase the scope and impact of the contribution of the Diaspora to the development of Jamaicans.