JAMAICA | Lets Connect to feature US Immigration Policies; Diaspora Financial Empowerment

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, January 25, 2025 - As the US president  Donald Trump administration takes aim at detaining and deporting millions of unfavourable immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin America, "Let's Connect" the virtual town hall, hosted by Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks is set to feature two immigration attorneys as well as Jamaica's Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams.

A news release from the Jamaican embassy in Washington points out that The eagerly anticipated session, scheduled for Thursday, January 30, at 7:00 PM EDT, comes at a crucial time as Jamaica unveils ambitious new investment opportunities worth billions.

"The Jamaican diaspora has been the bedrock of our nation's development," stated Ambassador Marks, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining transparent communication channels with Jamaicans abroad. "Through this forum, we're committed to providing our people with direct access to the most current and accurate information about their homeland," says Marks.

However, while the new finance minister Faval Williams takes top billing, members of the diaspora are concerned about the deployment of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators that have been let loose on the immigrant population just days after president Trump took office.

In that regard, Jamaica's diaspora  will welcome what prominent immigration attorneys Sekou Clarke and Andrew Francis will have to say, as many Jamaicans in the US are still not ‘straight’ and are eager to fast track their legal  status in order to remain in the United States.

According to ambassador Marks, “their timely inclusion comes as the Trump administration implements sweeping changes to immigration regulations that could significantly impact Jamaicans both at home and abroad.

“The legal experts will provide crucial guidance on citizenship applications, visa processes, residency matters, and deportation policies – issues of pressing concern to the diaspora community.”

Minister Williams, who oversees Jamaica's entire financial framework, is expected to address head-on the concerns stemming from the recent SSL scandal, while outlining robust measures implemented to safeguard the island's capital markets. Her timely appearance aims to restore diaspora confidence in Jamaica's financial sector, which has shown remarkable resilience despite global challenges.

The session will spotlight several lucrative investment opportunities, including the government's planned divestment of its J$10-billion stake in TransJamaican Highway Limited, strategic offloading of business process outsourcing (BPO) assets currently held by the Port Authority of Jamaica, and the anticipated initial public offering from WIP Energy Limited.

The virtual forum, part of the ongoing "Let's Connect" series, has emerged as a vital bridge between Jamaica's diplomatic mission and its citizens in the United States. "

"Let's Connect" has distinguished itself as an essential communication channel, facilitating direct dialogue between the diaspora and the Ambassador on matters ranging from daily life in the USA to updates on governmental policies and Embassy initiatives.

The series regularly features high-profile guests, including U.S. government officials, key figures from various international organizations, and influential members of the Jamaican diaspora.

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