GJDC Conference Canada 2023

September 23,

2023

The GJDC

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.

Canada’s GJDC Members

Lisa Rutty

Elected Representative

Dr. Sylvanus Thompson

Discretionary Member

Steven Getten

Youth Council Representative

Rhona Dunwell

Elected Representative

Dr. Hugh Simmonds

Art, Sport and Cultures

Bishop Dr. Glenford Duffus

Faith-Based Community

Capt. Kevin Junor

Citizen Security

September 23,

2023

Platinum Sponsors

Regional Jamaica Diaspora Conference (Canada) 2023

Engagement. Collaboration. Action.

September 23,

2023

9:00 AM - 6:00PM EST

Primary Venue: Ebenezer Holiness Church, 101 Rossdean Drive, Toronto

Free to attend. Online streaming. Interactive

Conference includes:

Keynote from Minister (GOJ)
Virtual Sessions
Q&A

Workshops
Action plans
Networking

Satellite venues in:

Montreal
Calgary
Vancouver

Hybrid Event

Join the LiveStream

Attend the conference

in-person or online

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September 23,

2023

About the Conference

Background

The aim of the conference is to bring together individuals from the Jamaican diaspora across Canada to celebrate their shared heritage, promote cultural understanding, and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth. It will seek to provide a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and collective actions about important issues impacting Jamaican Canadians, share knowledge, and exchange ideas.

The event will emphasize the importance of unity, cultural diversity, and the power of connections in building a vibrant and prosperous diaspora community. Furthermore, by fostering connections among participants, the conference will aim to inspire collaboration, encourage entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for personal and professional development.

The themes and recommendations from this conference will inform future gatherings, assist Jamaican Canadians to identify ways they can contribute individually and collectively to Jamaica and Canada.

The objectives of the conference are:

Promotion of diaspora engagement: The conference will aim to promote diaspora engagement by providing a platform for Jamaicans living in Canada to connect, share experiences, and contribute to the development of Jamaica.

Identification of potential partnerships and initiatives: The conference can serve as a catalyst for identifying potential partnerships and initiatives between Jamaican organizations, businesses, and individuals based in Canada. It provides an opportunity for attendees to explore collaboration possibilities, exchange ideas, and create networks that can lead to joint ventures, social projects, and mutually beneficial initiatives for both countries.

Our Speakers