KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans living overseas sent home US$3.12 billion in remittances during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, reinforcing the diaspora’s importance to the country’s economy and recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Minister of State Alando Terrelonge has said.
Terrelonge, who has responsibility for diaspora affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, disclosed the figures while addressing more than 300 delegates at the second Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 23.
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He said Jamaicans overseas sent an additional US$93 million during the three months following Hurricane Melissa compared with the same period a year earlier. December 2025 recorded a monthly remittance high of US$296 million.
Terrelonge thanked members of the diaspora for their continued support, particularly following the hurricane, which caused widespread damage across Jamaica.
“Your contributions to Jamaica’s continued growth and development, even more so in the aftermath of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, to help guide our steady recovery must be acknowledged,” he said.
He stressed that the diaspora’s contribution extended beyond financial assistance to include professional expertise, volunteerism, cultural advocacy and community engagement.
“Jamaica’s Diaspora is indeed a veritable partner in the continued growth and development of Jamaica, and on behalf of our government and people, I thank you for your continued generosity,” Terrelonge added.
The two-day conference, held under the theme “One Diaspora, One Vision: Advancing Jamaica Together,” brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, investors, educators, healthcare professionals and community representatives to discuss ways to strengthen the diaspora’s involvement in national development.
Terrelonge said the Government wanted to build more sustainable partnerships with Jamaicans overseas rather than rely solely on individual acts of goodwill.
He highlighted the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-a-Clinic programme, noting that 37 of the 59 adopted clinics had received diaspora support as of October 2025. The initiative represented commitments exceeding J$100 million to improve access to primary healthcare.
He also cited Farm Up Jamaica, a New York-based nonprofit organisation working to strengthen local agricultural production, reduce food imports and increase exports through organic farming.
Other diaspora-supported initiatives have included professional development in education, public health, science and technology, as well as contributions to school and healthcare infrastructure through the National Education Trust and the National Health Fund.
“The Jamaican Diaspora is, therefore, a reservoir of professional expertise, entrepreneurial capacity, innovation, networks and international experience,” Terrelonge said.
He added that the Government was exploring ways to reduce barriers to trade, business, investment and philanthropy while expanding opportunities for overseas Jamaicans to participate in advisory boards, knowledge-transfer programmes and policy committees.
Looking ahead to Jamaica’s 65th anniversary of Independence in 2027, Terrelonge invited diaspora members to participate in celebrations scheduled for August 5–8 under the theme “Celebrate, Connect, Experience, Give Back.”He encouraged them to support Jamaican businesses, explore investment opportunities and introduce younger generations to the island’s culture and heritage.
The conference built on the inaugural Northeast Diaspora Conference held in Philadelphia in 2025, with organisers seeking to turn discussions into practical partnerships that benefit Jamaica and its overseas communities.
