Jamaica incentivizing overseas nationals to invest, return home

JIS | Jamaica’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Leslie Campbell has revealed that the Holness administration is keen on implementing measures to incentivize overseas Jamaicans who are desirous of returning home to study, work or invest in the country.

One such initiative, he noted, is the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) online portal for returning residents and students, which was launched in July of this year and enables overseas nationals to make their application online instead of in person.

“This is certainly a welcome change particularly during this period of social distancing and other protocols due to the coronavirus (COVID-19),” Campbell noted.

He was speaking at the launch of the local branch of the United Kingdom (UK)-based Break Barriers Caring Hands (BBCH) on Wednesday (December 10) at Ultimate Lounge in Kingston. The home care agency, which offers personalized service for the elderly, the disabled and children, was founded by Jamaican, Andrene Lewis-Longwe, who resides in the UK.

Campbell, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, hailed the investment, noting that it is “encouraging to see initiatives like this, particularly at this time, when countries all around the world are grappling with the socio-economic challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic”.

He said that the government is committed to working with members of the diaspora for the country’s development, noting that overseas nationals have played a tremendous role individually and collectively in Jamaica’s progress over the years.

“I understand only too well the importance of supporting efforts to strengthen relations with the diaspora, including strengthening their affinity to Jamaica. Today’s launch is an excellent example of what we can do through engagement and partnerships and we encourage all of you to continue to partner with us as we remain focused on improving the lives of our people and country,” he noted.

State Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Alando Terrelonge, in his remarks, congratulated and extended his support to Ms. Lewis-Longwe, who is a native of Gregory Park, which forms part of his East Central St. Catherine constituency.

“Andrene is the epitome of a black Jamaican woman who has strived for success and who has shown, by example, the benefits of hard work and having a dream that also includes other persons and caring for those persons,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to all the Jamaicans in the diaspora who continue to make a valuable contribution to the country.