The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was a grand event that spanned four days, starting with an uplifting and inspiring Church Service on Sunday. This service set the tone for a week of unity, reflection, and meaningful engagement, marking the beginning of a significant journey for many attendees, including Cornell Bunting.
The Welcome Reception that evening offered Cornell a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, network, and kick off the conference in a festive atmosphere. The Biennial Conference, convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, remains the signature event in Jamaica’s efforts to engage with Jamaicans dispersed around the globe, encouraging their involvement in shaping the island’s future. This year marked 20 years of Diaspora engagement and the milestone 10th staging of the conference. Participants were welcomed at the Montego Bay Convention Centre to reconnect, re-engage, and co-create new pathways for Jamaica’s transformation under the theme, “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment.”
The comprehensive program was designed to foster crucial conversations around security, business, trade, investment, community development, youth empowerment, the orange economy, health, technology, and education. Activities included official ceremonies, nightly special events, the Governor-General’s Diaspora Achievement Awards, interwoven cultural entertainment, excursions, and a bustling marketplace of goods and services. The conference culminated with the Diaspora Day of Service.
Cornell Bunting’s highlighted moments came when the Hon. Kamina J Smith, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, GOJ, introduced The Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honorable Andrew Michael Holness ON, PC, MP, to Cornell. She spoke about the impactful work Cornell was doing on the island with his non-profit organization, Everyone Has A Story (EHAS INC), focusing on at-risk youth in underserved communities. This recognition was a significant moment for Cornell, emphasizing his dedication to making a positive impact.
In addition to this prestigious introduction, Cornell had the opportunity to sign a copy of his top-selling book, Escaping a Life Sentence, which details his adversities and how he found his purpose. This personal touch resonated with many attendees, further amplifying his message of resilience and hope.
Another memorable encounter was with Grams, a member of the Morgan Heritage Group. This meeting highlighted the cultural connections and shared passions that were a common thread throughout the conference. Cornell’s fashion choices also caught the eye of the Minister of State, the Honorable Alando Terrelonge, MP, JP, leading to discussions about a possible collaboration.
Cornell also engaged with 12 of the participating agencies and ministries, including the Administrator General’s Department, Companies Office of Jamaica, Jamaica Customs Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, National Education Trust, National Housing Trust, National Insurance Scheme, National Land Agency, Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency, Registrar General’s Department, Tax Administration Jamaica, and Trade Board Limited. These interactions opened doors for future opportunities and collaborations.
As Cornell and his team move forward, they aim to capitalize on all the opportunities that presented themselves at this prestigious event. The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference was not just a platform for engagement but a catalyst for future initiatives that will continue to transform and empower communities in Jamaica and beyond.