THE EDITOR, Sir:THERE ARE a number of inaccuracies in the letter, dated January 20, from Jamaican student Michael Palmer. He is incorrect when he states that since the Diaspora Conference of 2004, very little has been done by the present interim leadership. In fact, the following has been achieved:
An immediate consultation process was initiated with delegates who attended the 2004 conference to chart the way forward. Three such meetings were held in Birmingham. A management structure emerged from this aiming to ensure that Jamaicans in all regions of the U.K. were represented through regional groups facilitated by regional
coordinators selected by the regions.
Six regional groups have been established: Northern, East Midlands, Eastern, West Midlands, South-West and London. Within the regions interest groups focused on health, social welfare, education and culture. Arts and sport, church and faith, legal and
political, business and eco-nomics, media and communications have been set up.
A series of events was held throughout the U.K. in June 2005 to celebrate Diaspora Day, create awareness of the Diaspora Group, and encourage the participation of all Jamaicans. Articles on these activities were published in the print and electronic media, including The Gleaner.
The first Diaspora Day was launched last June at the High Commission and over 100 representatives from the regions attended. Other activities included:
London Region Two seminars to address issues that affect the Jamaican community in the areas of health and immigration were held. There was also a cultural day where children from a number of primary schools were invited; the response was so overwhelming that two sessions had to be held. There was also a Diaspora Ball attended by over 400 people.
South-west Region: Church Service in the 900-year old Gloucester Cathedral where several denominations gathered to celebrate Jamaica the first in the Cathedral's history.
West Midlands: A community church service and barbeque were well supported.
Northern Region:
community church service.
Senator the Hon. Delano Franklyn and Miss Faye Ellington, OD, travelled to the U.K. to participate in these events. They were also supported by the High Commissioner HE Ms. Gail Mathurin, Sir Bill Morris, Ms. Diane Abbott, MP and Ms. Dawn Butler, MP.
During the past months, regional coordinators have been conducting a series of community meetings to further engage the Jamaican community. The Eastern region is planning to
target young people in the community through sports. The Northern region is planning a Diaspora Open Day to encourage interest and involvement by the community.
These are just some of the activities which have taken place up and down the country as dedicated Jamaicans volunteer their time and skills, not for personal gain, but for the development of Jamaicans in the diaspora and Jamaica. Management structures are being put in place to form an effective organisation able to tackle the serious image problems and the difficult issues which Jamaicans face in this society.
JAMAICAN UK DIASPORA
The regions are now actively engaged in organising the first Jamaican Diaspora U.K. conference scheduled for April 1 at the Bethel Convention Centre, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich, to which all Jamaicans are invited. A meeting of regional coordinators and interest group facilitators was held at the High Commission on Saturday January 14 to discuss the logistics of the conference, and the strategy for getting the message out to the wider Jamaican
community.
Finally, all Jamaicans everywhere, including Michael Palmer, are encouraged to work together for the common good of Jamaica and Jamaicans in the diaspora. The majority of Jamaicans here in the U.K. are united behind our work to achieve these goals and we know we will succeed against all odds.
I am, etc.,
PATSY ROBERTSON (Mrs.)
On behalf of the
Media PR and
Communication
Interest Group
Jamaica Diaspora (U.K.)
