Golding calls for diaspora involvement in Jamaica’s governance, development

OPPOSITION LEADER Mark Golding believes Jamaicans living abroad should play a more active role in shaping the future of their home country, including participating in governance. During a media luncheon in Toronto on November 1, he outlined several avenues where the Jamaican diaspora could contribute to national development.

“Public boards are a crucial area where Jamaicans abroad can bring their expertise,” Golding explained. “From housing and infrastructure to financial regulations and school boards, there are countless opportunities for skilled Jamaicans to offer their oversight and guidance.”

He emphasised that the quality of leadership on these boards directly impacts the effectiveness and progress of various institutions.

“Whether it’s in housing, regulations, such as environmental, financial; infrastructure like the work agency, whether it’s the ports and the airport, there are so many, including the school boards as well, because Jamaicans support their schools. Every school has a board, and the quality of leadership helps to make a difference and how well it progresses,” he told The Jamaica Gleaner in an exclusive interview at Studio M, an arts and culture space.

Golding also highlighted the potential for remote participation, noting that modern technology would allow Jamaicans overseas to engage in board meetings and decision-making processes without the need for physical presence. This, he said, opens new opportunities for diaspora involvement.

“I think we need to encourage a lot of Jamaicans who have the skills, the experience and who have a desire to serve, to provide that. Because of the technology that now exist, you can participate in meetings without having to be physically present, so that creates an opportunity for participation.

On the humanitarian front, Golding acknowledged the significant contributions of Jamaicans abroad who support various causes in their homeland. Whether through community outreach or donations to institutions like children’s homes, Jamaicans living overseas often face challenges when sending aid due to bureaucratic hurdles and high costs.

“A lot of Jamaicans support persons in need in Jamaica, whether through communities that they may have come from where they know people need help, or institutions that need help, and an array of things of that nature. They send things down, maybe equipment, back-to-school stuff and they encounter undesirable blockages. It’s very frustrating and very expensive for them and I think the Government ought to streamline that process and make it very clear what the rules are and facilitate philanthropic gestures as cost effective as possible.

Golding’s visit to the Greater Toronto Area included several engagements with the Jamaican community, including a town hall meeting on October 30 at the Jamaican Canadian Association. Approximately 300 people gathered to discuss pressing issues such as the farm workers programme, voting rights for overseas Jamaicans, healthcare, crime, and the care of special needs children. Golding addressed these concerns, reaffirming his commitment to tackling them if given the opportunity to lead.

In his opening remarks, he highlighted the strong relationship between Jamaica and Canada, reflecting on his tenure as minister of justice from 2012 to 2016, during which Canada played a vital role in Jamaica’s justice reform efforts. “Canada and Jamaica share a special bond,” he said, noting the importance of continued collaboration between the Jamaican diaspora in Canada and those at home.

Golding’s itinerary also included a tour of Toronto’s ‘Little Jamaica’ district and a meeting with Ontario’s political leaders, including Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, Kristyn Wong-Tam and Jill Andrew. The discussions centred on shared interests between Jamaica and Ontario, where a large number of Jamaicans reside.

The visit culminated with a gala dinner, where Golding delivered a keynote address, emphasising the need for stronger ties between Jamaica and its diaspora.

Angelina Williams, head of the organising team, Friends of Jamaica Committee Canada, underscored the importance of Golding’s visit, saying, “Through the town hall meeting and other events, Mr Golding offered a unique platform for discussing Jamaica’s future and strengthening ties with the diaspora.”