Jamaica – Golding’s Diaspora Integration Plan Dismissed by Government 

Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s proposal to formally integrate members of the Jamaican diaspora into the country’s governance structure has been rejected by political commentator Lloyd B. Smith, who argued that greater emphasis should be placed on developing local talent and strengthening institutions within Jamaica.

Speaking to reporters, Smith described the idea as unrealistic, maintaining that Jamaicans living overseas remain outside the country’s day-to-day governance framework.

“The fact of the matter is that the diaspora is, for all intents and purposes, outside of the Jamaican sphere of governance,” Smith said.

He argued that Jamaica possesses sufficient human resources at home but suggested that political divisions and a lack of inclusiveness have prevented many qualified individuals from contributing fully to national development.

According to Smith, priority should be given to encouraging greater participation by citizens through community groups, non-governmental organisations, civil society bodies and local associations.

“We need to focus more on those entities because they are here,” he said.

Golding made the proposal while addressing the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, St James, where he called for mechanisms to allow members of the diaspora to play a more direct role in national decision-making.

The Opposition leader argued that Jamaicans living abroad should no longer be viewed merely as providers of remittances and investments but as partners capable of contributing expertise and leadership to national development. He suggested that one avenue would be to facilitate their appointment to public boards.

“There are over 100 of them, and they cover a wide array of very important activities. This is a way you can contribute to the governance of the nation without the need for any new legislative arrangements,” Golding said.

Smith, however, warned that such proposals should not be embraced without careful examination and due diligence.

“I don’t know if having them serving on our boards here is going to serve any useful purpose because in the final analysis, they have one foot in and one foot out. So, I really don’t see it as a step in the right direction,” he said.

Instead, he suggested that the diaspora should continue contributing through investment, mentorship and helping local businesses access international markets.

Over the years, there have been recurring discussions about expanding the role of the diaspora beyond remittances and philanthropy. The People’s National Party’s 2025 election manifesto proposed the creation of a National People’s Assembly that would include diaspora representatives to help review legislation and shape policies affecting communities.

But Smith cautioned that such arrangements could create complex governance challenges, including questions surrounding accountability, ethics and fiduciary responsibilities.

“On the surface, these proposals may sound attractive, but when you drill down into them, a number of logistical issues arise,” he said, questioning how overseas board members would be governed and held accountable for decisions affecting the country.

The debate highlights the broader question of how Jamaica can best harness the expertise and resources of its global community while maintaining effective and accountable governance at home.