Question: Why should young Jamaicans living abroad be interested in the Diaspora Conference?
Latania Christie: Criminology Student
“Young people abroad should participate in and have knowledge about the conference because it is connecting you to who you are. We can live in Canada and we can live in the UK, we can live in the States for as long as we want, but we are Jamaicans and we have to remember who we are.”
Natasha Fisher: Early Childhood Educator
“I believe that young Jamaicans should be positive role models for Jamaicans living here and also in Canada. We empower youth by our actions, so we’re playing a big role by coming to this conference because it is going to attract so many youth.”
Yanique Williams: Queens University Graduate
“The youths living abroad, in Canada and the US and the UK, they need to be involved in the conference. It is a way to connect back with your heritage. Youth abroad should be engaged and feel that connection, to get involved and to do there part.”
Phil Edwards: Youth Outreach Worker , Toronto
“I came to understand and to listen to what’s happening in Jamaica from a youths’ perspective. I work with youth and I like to get involved in education. I engage in all opportunities. I’m here for the third time in my life and I am really realising how lost I am as a boy growing up in Toronto without my Jamaican heritage.”
Leo Campbell: Director, Future Leadership Committee (Jamaican Diaspora –Canada Foundation)
“For every proud Jamaican who wears the Jamaican colours, who advocates the music, who loves the brand, this is an opportunity where you can help shape your country and give back. Those who always wanted to know how can I be a part of the movement and affect Jamaica’s policy, affect Canada’s policy or wherever they come from, in support of Jamaica, this is a space that gives you an opportunity to give voice to those issues.”
Ajamu Clarke: IT Specialist
“Jamaicans abroad are definitely interested (in the Diaspora Conference) because of the source of patriotism. We at the Diaspora Conference believe not only in support, but partnerships. And partnerships are really to go look at (the) roots of the people that you came from. Being a Jamaican abroad still means a lot to us and we are willing to contribute and support, not only in times of need but in times of growth.”
