Jamaicans in Diaspora Urged to Own a Larger Share of Nation’s Growth

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, addresses the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on June 15.

With the country poised for a pronounced and major upswing, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, is urging Jamaicans in the diaspora to get their “piece of the rock”.

According to Mr. Seiveright, who was speaking at the 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, on June 15, the current climate presents a rare and tangible opportunity for Jamaicans to own a larger share of the nation’s growth.

“While foreign investment is flowing into the country, Jamaicans must not stand on the sidelines,” he asserted.

Mr. Seiveright acknowledged the momentum but warned against complacency.

“The concern is not whether Jamaica’s future is bright. The evidence is already there. My concern is whether Jamaicans themselves will own enough of that future,” he said.

The State Minister noted that international investors are lining up and committing billions of dollars across Jamaica, but many local citizens have yet to translate that capital into personal and generational wealth.

“Jamaicans abroad and at home need to capitalise on these opportunities… don’t allow complacency to set in and be left behind,” he argued.

“Through JAMPRO… through the Ministry… seize and explore these opportunities,” he said, outlining a vision for broad-based ownership across multiple sectors.

He listed opportunities spanning land, property, businesses, factories, warehouses, shares, technology companies, farms and tourism assets.

“Whatever fits your means and your ambitions,” Mr. Seiveright added, underscoring a policy stance that seeks to democratise access to investment opportunities and ownership.

The call to action comes as Government officials describe a favourable investment climate marked by stable macroeconomic indicators, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and a streamlined regulatory environment intended to reduce barriers to entry.

Officials say these conditions not only attract foreign capital but also create avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises to scale, innovate, and participate in the national economy.

“Land. Property. Businesses. Factories. Warehouses. Shares. Technology companies. Farms. Tourism assets,” Mr. Seiveright enumerated, articulating a broad spectrum of possible entry points for investors. He stressed that ownership should be attainable across income levels and backgrounds, not confined to only those with economic power.

The message, he said, is simple: more ownership, more generational wealth, and greater economic participation for all Jamaicans.

The State Minister reminded persons that the window of opportunity is time-bound. “There has never been a better time to start. The opportunities are real. And those who move early will benefit most,” he said.

He urged Jamaicans abroad to act without delay, urging potential investors to come home, invest, partner, build, and own before others declare Jamaica an obvious investment destination.

Mr. Seiveright further emphasised that the Government’s intent is not merely to attract capital but to empower citizens to shape the trajectory of Jamaica’s development.

“By encouraging ownership across diverse asset classes, our aim is to create a more resilient economy with shared prosperity and stronger intergenerational wealth transfer,” he added.

“Every Jamaican, whether resident or in the diaspora, should have a stake in the country’s next chapter,” the State Minister said.

He said that the Government plans ongoing outreach and support programmes to facilitate access to financing, land, and enterprise development, ensuring that participation translates into measurable, lasting gains for families and communities nationwide.

Source: JIS