70-year-old Jamaican poet Linton Kwesi Johnson has called upon the Jamaican government to make better use of the talents in the diaspora.
In conversation with members of the Caribbean community at the Brixton Library in south London, following the recent release of Time Come: Selected Prose.
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Johnson said, “Small islands like Jamaica have limited industries, such as tourism and bauxite, which are the mainstays of the economy. We need to be creative to develop our economy…the remittances from Jamaicans living abroad have contributed significantly to the financial betterment of the island’s people.
“The country must take further steps forward to advance its economy. The Jamaican diaspora has no shortage of talent in the sciences, arts, and many other fields. The Government must create a mechanism to tap into this expertise and experience to improve its economic and social standing.”
In full support of Johnson’s view is Dr. Kevin Brown, the chair of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council’s (GJDPC) Partnership and Working Group and UK North representative.
He has identified the Jamaica Diaspora Partnership iHub which is expected to be launched on 2024.
he said,
“The GJDC Partnership and Working Group are recommending a more holistic approach to developing the sciences, health, technology, education, and the arts. We believe this should be directed by the Jamaican Government.
“Jamaica has a lot of national boards and corporations which could benefit from the expertise of Jamaicans abroad.”
The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) is the successor to the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board (DAB). Its conception arose out of the need to strengthen the mechanisms responsible for enhancing Diaspora engagement and expand the reach and participation of members of the Diaspora globally. The further need to align the goals, pillars and focus areas outlined in the National Diaspora Policy with the role, function and activities of the Council was also imperative.
The framework for the GJDC was endorsed by the Diaspora Advisory Board and the attendees at the 8th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference held in Kingston, 16th – 19th June 2019.
The GJDC is one of the principal organs of the National Diaspora Policy with the responsibility to create modalities to realize the goals of the Policy. This is with a view to significantly contribute to national development in wide-ranging sectors such as:
- Education
- Health
- Agriculture
- Environment
- The Arts, Sports and Culture
- Citizen Security
- Development Expertise
- Faith-Based Community
- Commerce
The responsibilities of the Council include the conceptualization and recommendation of support systems and administrative initiatives to enhance collaboration between Jamaicans at home and those living overseas. In that regard, engagement with the Jamaican Diaspora remains an essential priority of the Government of Jamaica and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
