Kingston, Jamaica — 10 February 2026
Jamaica’s relationship with its Diaspora has come under renewed strain following sharp public exchanges surrounding elections to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, at a moment when the country is still transitioning from emergency response to long-term rebuilding after last October’s devastating hurricane.
The disagreement centres on calls from some overseas Jamaicans to boycott the ongoing Diaspora Council elections, which resumed in late January after being postponed to allow the Government to prioritise disaster relief and early recovery efforts. In response, the junior minister with responsibility for foreign affairs and Diaspora engagement issued a strongly worded statement defending the process and warning against what he described as attempts to undermine a legitimate and transparent election.
While the mechanics of Diaspora governance may seem distant from daily life on the island, the timing of this dispute matters. Jamaica is entering a se…
