Capital and Credit Merchant Bank

WISYNCO Trading Limited

Jamaica Mortgage Bank

Jamaica Producers Group Limited

The Jamaican Diaspora Conference 2004 represents a significant development in the relations between the Jamaican government and our overseas nationals.

A far reaching initiative, it is underpinned by government's abiding and visible commitment to deepen and strengthen the bonds of understanding, cooperation and partnership between the government of Jamaica on the one hand and our nationals at home and abroad. The conference reflects another important step in the implementation of Government policy of addressing the interests and concerns of our nationals within the wider framework of national development.

Throughout the two-day conference, our nationals will be provided with the wonderful opportunity to articulate their views, share ideas on a range of issues which affect their welfare and interests central to which is the critical question of national development.

Occurring within the context of the unremitting. advance of the phenomenon of globalization which is intensifying the competitiveness of the international market place, the conference commands even greater urgency and attention.

This challenging international setting serves to focus the conference on fashioning appropriate strategies and ideas to assure the way forward and to sustain and enrich the valued relations with our overseas nationals.

The conference theme, "The Jamaican Diaspora - Unleashing the Potential", captures the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican persona. An exciting theme, it taps into the proven resilience and capacity which leaves no doubt in my mind that this conference will be a success and redound to the benefit of our beloved country.

I would like to extend on behalf of the Government , sincere thanks to our nationals for the sterling myriad contribution that they are making to nation building. I would like to thank also Corporate sponsors for their invaluable support in making this conference a reality. I am confident that it is but a forerunner for similar ventures.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the entire Government, remain committed to the misssion of sustaining and strengthening our chersished relations for the ultimate benefit of Jamaica, land we love.