The Jamaican community in the United States of America (USA) under the auspices of the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board and the Embassy of Jamaica will convene its first Conference of Diaspora representatives in the continental USA, on October 2-4, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel 1825 Griffin Road,  in Dania (Fort Lauderdale), Florida

The Diaspora Advisory Board was established approximately six years ago at the first Jamaican Diaspora Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, to advise the Government on Diaspora matters, and to effectively mobilize support for the island in areas such as trade & economic development, education, health, and disaster preparedness.

The conference, to be held under the theme Responding to the Challenge: Jamaicans Unite for Progress, will have in attendance at least 150 persons representing the many Jamaican organizations and community interests in the Northeast, Midwest and Southern regions of the USA.  The Minister with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Senator Dr. The Hon. Ronald Robinson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica,  His Excellency Anthony Johnson Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States,  Mrs Sandra Grant-Griffiths, Consul General, Miami,  Mrs Geneive Brown Metzger, Consul General, New York will be in attendance.

The Conference will provide a forum to discuss issues of mutual interests to our local communities and Jamaica, and also deliberate on the future strategic direction of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States.   It will open with a public welcome reception on Friday, October 2 at 6pm at the popular First Fridays networking event at the Grand Palms Hotel in the city of Miramar  Some of the Conference activities  will  be streamed  online and heard via  live radio broadcast.

 “This inaugural Conference is a critical organizing step for our community.  We must begin the process in fostering a shared vision for governance, financial sustainability, and a consistent message for galvanizing the talents and resources of Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent in the United States of America,” stated Marlon A. Hill, Esq., Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board member for the Southern United States and the host region of the Conference.

Special hotel rates (at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/Jamaica) and airline fares are available to interested persons.  Registration is $110 per person and $80 for students.