2017 Diaspora Conference is important because ...

Plans are in full gear for the staging of the 2017 Diaspora Conference from July 23-26, so The Gleaner asked stakeholders gathered for one of its Editors' Forum, to tell Jamaica in one line: This Diaspora Conference is important because ... .

Here are some of the responses:

Professor Neville Ying, executive director, Jamaica Diaspora Institute

"This Diaspora Conference is important because it's going to bring the diaspora and Jamaica together to support the growth agenda of Jamaica."

Sancia Bennett Templer, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health

"This Diaspora Conference is important because it is an opportunity to renew our partnerships and to discuss with our partners new opportunities."

Earl Jarrett, conference chairman

"This Diaspora Conference is important because it will build a great network of Jamaicans who can grow their confidence in supporting and building the country in which they live."

Lincoln Downer, director, Diaspora Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

"This Diaspora Conference is important because it will further deepen that partnership that existed over so many years and also create a new platform for further dialogue and engagement with the young people through digital engagement."

Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade

"This Diaspora Conference is important because it is the epitome of people and government in partnership, and also the epitome of an opportunity to celebrate our Jamaicans and how well they have done."

Ava Timberlake, director of int'l cooperation, Ministry of Health

"This diaspora is important because it gives us the opportunity to reconnect with our partners, and certainly to promote initiatives for collaboration and support."