More than 300 delegates spent two days in Philadelphia last week, and the minister told them what Jamaica needs from them. The meeting passed no resolution, and no demand on the government was recorded — and the rules of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council help explain why.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, October 29, 2026 - Calvin G. Brown | The second Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference ended at Temple University in Philadelphia on Saturday. State Minister Alando Terrelonge, who led Friday’s opening session and Saturday’s town hall, told more than 300 delegates that Jamaicans abroad sent home US$3.12 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year. He asked each delegate to consider volunteering at least 100 hours, to steer investment into housing, energy, water and logistics, and to press members of the US Congress for stronger climate action and help for vulnerable countries.