Jamaican High Commission United Kingdom

Jamaican high commission

UK Diaspora on the right track says Minister Malahoo-Forte

July 1, 2011

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte injected new confidence into the Jamaica UK Diaspora movement with a stirring address to members of the Jamaican community at the Jamaican High Commission in London.

UK Diaspora on the right track says Minister Malahoo-Forte

Minister Malahoo Forte who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs revved up interest in the Diaspora conference in Jamaica and used the opportunity to reiterate the government's commitment to structured and meaningful engagement with the Diaspora.

She allayed concerns over the selection process for Diaspora Advisory Board members, explaining that the recommendations that were put forward and which became points of contention among some Diaspora groups had not been drafted into policy. She said discussions will take place at the conference with a view to arriving at a workable solution that will satisfy the Diaspora groups and the government.

She added: "To those whose initial reaction to the proposals to alter the method by which the Diaspora Board is constituted was to suggest that there was an attempt to politicise the process, please abandon that thought. This minister and this ministry would never engage in any action that alienates any Jamaican because of their political preference. We serve all Jamaicans and we welcome the contributions of all Jamaicans. I am under no illusion that when you try to implement change, you stir up a lot of emotions. I know how passionate you are about Jamaica and that is what drives your continued interest and desire to serve."

She highlighted the need for strengthening the communication channels that serve the Diaspora to ensure that accurate and credible information is disseminated.