Diaspora Conference | Seiveright urges diaspora to move beyond remittances

Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, addresses delegates during the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, St James, on Monday, June 15, 2026. (Albert Ferguson photo)

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, is urging Jamaicans overseas to move beyond remittances and secure ownership stakes in Jamaica’s rapidly expanding economy.

“Remittances have played an important role, but remittances alone do not build generational wealth. Ownership does,” he said while addressing the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, on Monday. “. “Come home – invest, partner, build and own it.”

Seiveright said Jamaica is emerging as one of the region’s most attractive investment destinations, underpinned by economic stability, strong institutions, declining crime and billions of dollars in local and foreign investment.

“The world is becoming more uncertain, but Jamaica is becoming more stable,” Seiveright said while questioning whether Jamaicans are prepared to own enough of those opportunities.

He pointed to Jamaica’s approximately US$6.5 billion in Net International Reserves, a relatively stable exchange rate and the country’s resilience following Hurricane Melissa, noting that strong economic credibility helped secure billions of dollars in international financing for reconstruction.

Seiveright said major investors have already recognized Jamaica’s potential, highlighting the US$1.055 billion acquisition of New Fortress Energy’s Jamaican LNG assets by Excelerate Energy, major tourism developments, and continued expansion in manufacturing, logistics, technology and business process outsourcing.

He also cited major infrastructure projects, including highway expansions, upgrades to Cornwall Regional Hospital, plans for a new Kingston Public Hospital, development of the Negril International Airport and expansion of the Port of Kingston.

While encouraging investment in tourism and real estate, Seiveright urged the diaspora to also explore agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and technology.

Source: The Gleaner