Johnson Smith: Virtual platforms potential ‘game changers’ for diaspora linkages
Published:Tuesday | June 18, 2024 | 12:10 AMRochelle Clayton/Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
“They both have the potential to be game changers.”
This was a declaration by Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, as she spoke to The Gleaner about Wednesday’s upcoming launch of two virtual platforms geared towards Jamaica’s diaspora.
She was speaking on Monday during the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
The two platforms, a first of its kind in the region, are JAM-DEM (Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model) and the Registration Portal.
JAM-DEM, according to Johnson Smith, is a portal which will highlight investment opportunities for those Jamaicans overseas wanting to buy into the island.
The virtual platform is valued at approximately $30 million and was created through a joint venture with the foreign affairs ministry, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Planning Institute of Jamaica.
Through JAM-DEM, interested parties will be able “to share information about services that are of direct and specific interest and importance to you, our diaspora,” said Johnson Smith.
As it relates to the Registration Portal, the minister noted that its main role will be to bridge a well-needed gap. The platform will reportedly work as a hub for members of the diaspora to connect and communicate with like-minded individuals across various industries.
“The registration portal, which allows you on a voluntary basis, to share information about the work that you do, or your organisation is doing overseas and allow other diasporants to connect with you.”
Referencing a question asked by Sharon Purser-Cooper, a member of the diaspora during Monday’s session, Johnson Smith told The Gleaner the Jamaican Government’s launch of both platforms is a move in the right direction.
“You would have heard the question earlier, where a lady was saying that she thinks the diaspora should support each other more, that is exactly what we are trying to facilitate,” Johnson Smith said.
“The sharing of resources – both human and intellectual and the good old monetary kind among organisations. So that...wherever it is that Jamaicans choose to live, they can help each other to rise,” the minister added.
At the same time, the foreign affairs minister explained that while they will both serve separate purposes, the virtual platforms will assist in the fostering of growth among members of the diaspora.
“What we want to do is help you with the pathway to support each other in your charities [and] in your community work...so that we can in fact grow as a community wherever it is that we are located. Jamaicans supporting Jamaicans wherever we are,” she added.
However, when asked if both platforms will work hand in hand to achieve one goal, Johnson Smith told The Gleaner “no”. She pointed out that members of the diaspora are looking to engage with Jamaica for different reasons and these platforms will act as a medium for this.
“I see them serving two different segments because what we always have to keep in mind is that the diaspora is not one type of person,” she explained.
“There are people of different financial means, [and] of different desires to engage and connect with Jamaica. [Some] don’t want to integrate fully, and some want to connect all the time. Those who want to invest and some just want to engage with family,” the minister added.