Special duty exemptions for goods brought into the island for diaspora projects

The Jamaica Customs Agency has implemented a special duty exemption for persons bringing tools and goods into the country for Diaspora Day of Service projects on Thursday, June 20.

State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, made the disclosure at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, where he provided details about the Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, slated for June 16 to 19, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The Diaspora Day of Service marks the conclusion of the Conference, allowing attendees to take part in pre-arranged projects in communities across the island.

Terrelonge informed that several Diaspora organisations have already submitted their project proposals.

He said the initiatives range from the refurbishing of former schools by painting or assisting with computer laboratories, to conducting outreach programmes and enhancing community parks.

He noted that there is “a heavy interest on education and health,” based on the registration of the community projects.

Terrelonge is urging individuals, who have not yet registered their projects, to

get in touch with the Diaspora Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to facilitate arrangements with Customs to benefit from the duty exemptions.

Persons can also visit the Ministry's website, via diasporaconferenceja.eventbrite.com to complete the Day of Service registration form with details of their planned project or to confirm their interest in being a volunteer.

Meanwhile, Conference Chair and President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VM Group, Courtney Campbell, said Jamaicans will have the opportunity to volunteer their time and service at the community projects organised by the Diaspora groups.

He informed that the Conference Secretariat will be releasing a list of projects to enable individuals to take part in initiatives that align with their interests.

“We are creating numerous opportunities because the people in the Diaspora want to get involved in various areas in the Jamaican society and we will be publishing a list, ...ahead of time, so persons can select the projects they want to participate in,” he said.

- JIS News

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