By Delano Franklyn, Contributor
Jamaica's High Commissioner, H.E. Carl Marshall (second left), and Consul-General, Vivia Betton (second right), with three of the Canadian delegates who will be attending the Jamaican Diaspora Conference. From left are, Bill DeLisser, president of the Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton, Alvin Curling, speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, and Philip Mascoll, journalist with the 'Toronto Star' newspaper. - Contributed
WHATEVER THEIR initial reasons for departing Jamaica, the vast majority of Jamaicans abroad have never forgotten their roots. This is manifested in the numerous charitable initiatives which are undertaken every year, either individually or collectively, by a number of Jamaicans to help relieve pressing social needs in Jamaica.
The existing connection is also manifested in the increase in the flow of remittances to Jamaica. Many Jamaicans abroad also remain exceedingly proud of their roots because of Jamaica's outstanding performance on the international stage whether in the area of sports, music or academic performance. While acknowledging the continued love for Jamaica by Jamaicans living abroad, and the connections which currently exist, it is generally agreed by all that much more can be done to move the relationship to even greater and more exciting possibilities. In doing so, however, we must be mindful of the observation which was noted in 1992 by the report of the West Indian Commission, entitled Time for Action "Lest it be thought that our interest in the diaspora is purely mercenary, we must also find better organised, more systematic, ways of involving ourselves in the problems they face in their new homes. We must represent our interest in the well-being of our people at the highest levels and whenever required. We must treat these men and women and children of the diaspora as West Indians all, far from home, but close at heart." [pp.26-27]
REMEMBERED DURING CRISES
This point must not be underestimated. Many persons in the Jamaican overseas community are of the view that they are remembered only when there is a crisis in the country and the country is in need of assistance. Others are also of the view that the overseas community is now receiving greater attention because of the increase in remittance flow to the country.
I remember well a number of panellists, including Sir Bill Morris, making the point at a Symposium at the University of the West Indies in October 2003, that Jamaican leaders, be they from the public or private sector, must not only focus on the opportunities for investments and greater remittances when interfacing with the overseas community, but must also explain how they intend to make the bureaucracy much more 'overseas friendly'. The panellists pinpointed as examples, access to Jamaican passports, customs regulations, the postal system, access to land titles, as well as access to death and birth certificates. As Bill Morris said, "Once you recognise that these are some of our main challenges and they are dealt with, investments will flow into Jamaica with greater ease."
Therefore, if we are not to be perceived as mercenaries, it is incumbent upon us to address some of the daily frustrations experienced by members of the overseas community. It is also important for us to point out not just what the overseas community can do for us, but what we are prepared to do for that community.
EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN LINKS
While recognising the need to strengthen the links between Jamaicans at home and abroad, it must be pointed out that the Jamaican Government has sought, over the years, to encourage a systematic and coordinated approach to the relationship with the Jamaican overseas community. An overview of the Government's efforts in this regard will show:
Overseas Missions have continuously played a very significant role in encouraging
the Jamaican community overseas to actively support the Government's development
programmes, including support for trade and investments.
As a matter of policy, members of the Government, when on official business abroad, would use the opportunity to engage in community meetings.
In 1993, Ministry Paper number 2, entitled the Charter for Long-term Returning Residents, was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Patterson authorising the establishment of the Returning Residents Facilitation Unit (RRFU) with responsibility for the administration of the Returning Residents Programme.
In 1998, the Cabinet decided that the RRFU should be changed to the Jamaicans Overseas Department (JOD). The JOD, based in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, seeks to promote and protect the interest of Jamaicans overseas.
FORMAL DISCUSSION
The issue of the relationship between the overseas community and Jamaicans at home came up formally for discussion in the Upper House of Parliament in November 1998 when Senator Trevor Munroe tabled a motion for debate. The motion called for (a) the recognition of the positive role of overseas Jamaicans in Jamaica's survival and development, (b) to convene a conference or consultation of overseas and resident Jamaicans and (c) for such a conference to consider the appropriateness of a dedicated Minister or Ministry to the issues facing overseas Jamaicans and returning resident communities.
The motion was extensively debated and unanimously adopted by the Senate.
Despite these efforts to forge
a greater relationship between Jamaica and the diaspora, there has never really been a 'coming together' of members of the Jamaican diaspora to discuss how the relationship can be strengthened, except for a series of dialogue which took place throughout the United States, Canada and Europe between January to June 1999. That 'series of dialogue', conceptualised by Jamaican Glen Gilpin of Gilpin Associates Inc. and sponsored by the Jamaica National Guild and the National Association of Jamaicans and Supportive Organisations (NAJASO) had as its objectives:
To promote the concepts of Sustainable Development in Jamaica emphasising how Jamaicans in the diaspora can contribute to the process.
To discuss practical and concrete measures that Jamaicans in the diaspora can implement to support Government's efforts under the CARICOM/United States Agreement Programme of Action, and other bilateral and multilateral agreements.
To present a forum for organising Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora into a more cohesive unit.
To review selected Jamaicans in the diaspora sustainable economic development prospects.
To assist the Jamaican private sector to penetrate foreign markets through joint ventures and licensing arrangements.
To serve as a medium for the presentation of the Jamaican people's position on foreign policy issues in international fora.
It was further pointed out by the organisers that the 'Participants in these series of meetings would present their findings in a special session among the representatives of the diaspora, the Government of Jamaica, its private sector and civil society to be held in Jamaica in August 1999'.
While the objectives of the 'series of dialogue' were laudable and a number of recommendations were made, there is no record of a 'special session' being held in Jamaica to present these recommendations.
Conscious of the need to pay greater attention to this area of Government's responsibility, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson after the October 2002 national elections, assigned a Minister of Government the direct responsibility of advancing the relationship between those at home and abroad.
Since then, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Jamaicans Overseas Department in particular, have taken on the challenge with the full and total involvement of private sector companies and the returned residents' associations. This process of interaction led to the hosting of the Symposium referred to earlier, in October 2003, at the Mona School of Business. It was specifically designed to solicit the views and opinion of representatives of the overseas community as it relates to the path to be pursued by the Government in developing its work in this area. Their instructions were very clear. They told us:
The work and contribution of members of the community must never be taken for granted. The necessary appreciation must be shown at all times.
That efforts must be made to address the issues facing the overseas community as we call on the community to 'invest' and increase the flow of remittance to Jamaica.
That the relationship between the two communities must be symbiotic (as outlined by the West Indian Commission)
That the Government must develop a mechanism to facilitate an ongoing dialogue between the two parties.
That the Government should not sign off on any policy initiative or programmes without first discussing these initiatives with the community
That the overseas Missions must be oriented to treat with equally, both foreign affairs and foreign trade matters
That the overseas community is extremely diverse in its composition and orientation and therefore, the peculiarity of one community must not be used to assess all the communities
That in attempting to improve the relationship, the Government must not seek to do everything all at once but must instead concentrate on what is practical and doable.
As a follow up to this Symposium, a Planning Committee consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, private sector entities, other public sector agencies, the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology and the returned residents associations decided to organize, for the first time in Jamaica, a Conference of overseas Jamaicans under the theme, 'The Jamaican Diaspora - Unleashing the Potential'. The Conference will have three broad objectives;To record the country's appreciation of the contribution of Jamaicans living overseas to Jamaica's national development and
To use the occasion as an opportunity to more comprehensively involve overseas Jamaican in the economic, political, social and cultural life in Jamaica.
Develop the necessary structures to strengthen the relationship between the two groups The Conference will be another opportunity to build on the efforts undertaken in the past and those that are currently being pursued by many within the Diaspora. While it is recognised that the conference will allow the participants the opportunity to express themselves, the main intention is to take decisions which are both realistic and implementible. Emphasis will therefore be placed on proposals and decisions which can advance the working relationship between the two communities. Delano Franklyn is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Since then, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Jamaicans Overseas Department in particular, have taken on the challenge with the full and total involvement of private sector companies and the returned residents' associations. This process of interaction led to the hosting of the Symposium referred to earlier, in October 2003, at the Mona School of Business. It was specifically designed to solicit the views and opinion of representatives of the overseas community as it relates to the path to be pursued by the Government in developing its work in this area. Their instructions were very clear. They told us:
* The work and contribution of members of the community must never be taken for granted. The necessary appreciation must be shown at all times.
* That efforts must be made to address the issues facing the overseas community as we call on the community to 'invest' and increase the flow of remittance to Jamaica.
* That the relationship between the two communities must be symbiotic (as outlined by the West Indian Commission)
* That the Government must develop a mechanism to facilitate an ongoing dialogue between the two parties.
* That the Government should not sign off on any policy initiative or programmes without first discussing these initiatives with the community.
* That the overseas Missions must be oriented to treat with equally, both foreign affairs and foreign trade matters.
* That the overseas community is extremely diverse in its composition and orientation and therefore, the peculiarity of one community must not be used to assess all the communities.
* That in attempting to improve the relationship, the Government must not seek to do everything all at once but must instead concentrate on what is practical and doable.
As a follow up to this Symposium, a Planning Committee consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, private sector entities, other public sector agencies, the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology and the returned residents associations decided to organise, for the first time in Jamaica, a Conference of overseas Jamaicans under the theme, 'The Jamaican Diaspora Unleashing the Potential'. The Conference will have three broad objectives;
* To record the country's appreciation of the contribution of Jamaicans living overseas to Jamaica's national development.
* To use the occasion as an opportunity to more comprehensively involve overseas Jamaican in the economic, political, social and cultural life in Jamaica.
* Develop the necessary structures to strengthen the relationship between the two groups. The Conference will be another opportunity to build on the efforts undertaken in the past and those that are currently being pursued by many within the diaspora. While it is recognised that the conference will allow the participants the opportunity to express themselves, the main intention is to take decisions which are both realistic and implementible. Emphasis will therefore be placed on proposals and decisions which can advance the working relationship between the two communities.
* Delano Franklyn is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
