Action shop, not talk shop – Speech from Jamaican Diaspora Future Leaders Conference

Below is a speech made by David Mullings, Jamaican Diaspora USA Future Leaders Representative, at the closing reception of the Jamaican Diaspora Future Leaders Conference, August 2009

–
It is my distinct honour to speak tonight on behalf of the future
leaders conference delegates.

Over the last few days I have witnessed the birthing of strong
connections between Jamaicans on the rock and Jamaicans abroad that
will undoubtedly lead to increased support of ongoing projects, the
launching of new projects, increased communication between members of
our generation and most importantly, a partnership that will most
certainly grow in both strength and numbers.

The Jamaica-based delegates have provided invaluable insight into the
problems they believe exist, current programmes that are being
undertaken and potential solutions. So too have the overseas delegates
had their eyes opened to new issues and contributed their own ideas.

This exchange will continue long after the conference thanks to the
database and website,www.jadiasporafutureleaders.com and will help to
develop a generation of Jamaicans that see those abroad as more than
barrels and remittances, see them not as people who think they know
better, but simply as Jamaicans who want to give back and need help in
identifying how they can do so.

It will also forge a generation of overseas-based Jamaicans who feel
more connected to Jamaica and more accepted. They will become true
ambassadors of ‘Brand Jamaica’ and serve to expand the number of
Jamaicans in the Diaspora that are helping in building a better
Jamaica.

The theme for this 47th celebration of Jamaica’s Independence is ‘I
Believe in Jamaica’ and every single delegate should applaud
themselves because their presence at this conference is proof that
they truly believe in Jamaica and a Jamaica of 6 million, not just 3
million.

I am here because I believe in Jamaica and I am sure that is why my
fellow delegates are here. Let us continue to strengthen that belief
in Jamaica and continue to have faith that Jamaica can take its
rightful place on the world stage and add to what we have already
achieved as a great nation.

This is not a talk shop, it is an action shop and we intend to follow
through on our action plans because execution is what really matters.