Letter of the Day | The diaspora must play a respectful role

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Love for this country runs deeply, and it is from that love that I speak honestly about the diaspora’s role in Jamaica’s future.

Let it be clear: the Jamaican diaspora is not a government-in-exile, a parallel parliament, nor a board of directors for Jamaica Inc. The diaspora is family – those living abroad whose hearts remain tied to the land of their birth.

Our role is already defined in the National Diaspora Poli cy, approved by Cabinet in 2022 and aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica. Its core vision calls for “ transformative engagements, symbiotic relationships and partnerships with the Jamaican Diaspora and their full integration into national development processes”. The policy outlines goals such as strengthening diaspora networks, enabling contributions, supporting Jamaicans abroad, promoting research and exchanges, and building a functional global Jamaican community. These are grounded in guiding principles of patriotism, mutuality, inclusive participation, respect for human rights, and evidence-based approaches.

The policy emphasises partnership – not supervision, dictation, or ultimatums. When diaspora members send remittances that keep families afloat, invest in agriculture, tourism and tech, or share expertise in medicine, engineering, education, and governance, we are fulfilling our role. When policy recommendations are offered respectfully through the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, high commissions, or official channels, we are also fulfilling our role.

But when protests are staged at Jamaican embassies, ultimatums issued, or foreign lobbying used to pressure the Government, we step beyond partnership into presumption. That undermines the very nation we claim to support. Frustration with crime, corruption, and poor services is real – but the policy calls us to constructive engagement: offering funded solutions, sharing data, investing in proven strategies, and mentoring future leaders.

The Government does not serve the diaspora, nor does the diaspora serve the Government. Together, we serve Jamaica. Those who live on the island carry the consequences of policy; their votes decide governance. Our privilege is to strengthen their hands, not bind them through confrontation.

Let us recommit to respectful partnership – to investing time, talent, and treasure in national priorities, honouring sovereignty, and uplifting Jamaica through mutuality.

May history record the diaspora not as a storm rocking the boat, but as wind beneath Jamaica’s wings.

DR CLOVIS B. NELSON