Monique Broughton (right), Chief Representative Officer at the JN Bank Canada Representative Office, greets Hon Alando Terrelonge, Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, at the Jamaican Diaspora Townhall, held at the Jamaica Association of Montreal in May 2026. The event formed part of the lead-up activities executed across Canada by the Government of Jamaica in collaboration with key institutions for the 11th Jamaica Diaspora Conference.
The Jamaica Association of Montreal (JAM) is heading to the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference with a clear agenda: to deepen diaspora involvement in national development and bring critical insights back to Jamaican communities across Canada.
President Sharon Nelson will lead a 10-member delegation to the conference, scheduled for June 14 to 18, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, where they will join hundreds of delegates from around the world.
Why the 11th Jamaica Diaspora Conference Matters
For Jamaicans living in Montreal and across Canada, the biennial conference represents a rare opportunity to engage directly with the issues shaping life both at home and abroad. Ms. Nelson, who also chairs the Canadian contingent of the Electoral Committee that oversaw recent elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), said the delegation is eager to bring back actionable knowledge.
“We hear what’s happening there through the news, but by being there, we can bring that information back to the diaspora, share what we saw and experienced, and identify ways to offer further support,” she said.
Key Priorities for the Montreal Delegation
Hurricane Melissa Recovery
Nine months after Hurricane Melissa devastated communities across Jamaica, the Montreal delegation is committed to assessing the recovery effort firsthand.
“We want to understand what has happened nine months later. The Montreal delegation has added our bit to helping in the recovery and it is important for us to go and see what has been done, what the needs are and what more can be done because it is a massive undertaking,” said Ms. Nelson.
Security, Healthcare and Real Estate Investment
Quality of life and investment returns remain top concerns for Jamaicans in Canada. The delegation plans to address growing questions around security, healthcare access and the viability of real estate investment in Jamaica.
Financial Partnerships and Diaspora Support
Partnerships with institutions such as the JN Bank Canada Representative Office have become essential in addressing these concerns. JN Bank Canada offers vetted connections, financial guidance and solutions tailored to diaspora needs, including support for home ownership, savings and long-term wealth building.
“Sometimes it’s so hard to get help when you’re so far away from your country and having the JN Bank Representative Office as a partner and part of our events is critical for many reasons,” Ms. Nelson explained.
JN Group as Co-Chair of the 2026 Diaspora Conference
The Montreal delegation particularly welcomed the JN Group’s co-chairing of this year’s conference. The JN Bank Canada Representative Office has become a trusted bridge for Jamaicans overseas, offering a familiar entry point for financial and support services connected to Jamaica.
“It’s not just about business; it’s about connecting, building relationships and finding ways to work together. We’ve always had a fantastic relationship with JN, and it’s significant that they are playing a leading role at the Diaspora Conference this year,” said Ms. Nelson.
How Canadians Can Participate
Jamaicans across Canada are encouraged to participate in the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference. The event offers valuable opportunities to connect with stakeholders, share perspectives and play an active role in Jamaica’s growth. Contact the Jamaica Association of Montreal or visit the official conference website for registration details.
Frequently Asked Questions
The conference runs June 14 to 18, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, Jamaica.
Sharon Nelson, president of the Jamaica Association of Montreal since December 2025, is leading a 10-member delegation.
The JN Bank Canada Representative Office offers guidance on mortgages, savings and investment in Jamaica. You can find them at:
