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Masks On, Mask Off – Is widespread masking a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic?

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4 years ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

PAY ATTENTION!

This article just might save your life, if you take the time to go with me through this convoluted journey of the mask.

I am going to give this type of article a new name. We will call it a Docuview. Like a documentary, this article is going to be a non-fictional editorial, intended to document reality, primarily for the purpose of instruction, education, and maintaining a historical record. There has to be something left behind that accurately tells the stories of how society rebounded from the current catastrophic mess of our time.

Yes! I have hope, and the reason is because I know our readers are going to go through this information with a fine-toothed comb, check all references, and implement a plan for better health success. In this docuview, we are going to take you through the many twists and turns that have come about due to COVID-19, and mixed messages we have received on how to keep ourselves safe.

Let’s start with what is currently happening in Canada.
On June 30th, 2020, a by-law was issued in Toronto, Ontario stating that persons or organizations who own or are responsible for the operation of a facility or business, must have a policy to ensure masks or face coverings are worn by the public in enclosed areas, under their control.

Dr Eileen de Villa (City of Toronto Medical Health Officer) said “They have seen that making masks mandatory improves COMPLIANCE.”

Mayor Tory has spoken out and also said that masks will be mandatory in all public and enclosed indoor spaces. This means that you will be required to wear a mask on public transportation, such as the TTC, and ferries to the Toronto Islands, as well as inside shops, grocery stores and malls. He also mentioned that there will not be “AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT” of the new bylaw, and that the city will instead focus on educating the public about the importance of the order.

Souce: Ontario Government


Link Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/face-coverings-and-face-masks?fbclid=IwAR3alC-qfmUzyrw_RA4QqAy-7i8IFQREsgBsa-hTbsbYPVm_deZMPRdcxr8

This temporary by-law goes into effect starting July 7th.

The Brampton Guardian put out a story (written by Steve Cornwell), that Peel Region’s medical officer of health Dr. Lawrence Loh announced Tuesday, June 30th he has issued a recommendation that bylaws be enacted across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon mandating use of non-medical masks in public places.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, said the rule would not require businesses to supply non-medical masks, but would allow them to REFUSE customers who aren’t wearing them, “period, full-stop.” She also said enforcing mandatory masks will be “CHALLENGING” and city officers will take an educational approach to the bylaw initially.

Other cities and boroughs are following this approach across Ontario including Durham Region, London, and St. Catherines.

How about we take a quick trip over the border.
Freedom Foundation (https://www.freedomfoundation.com/press-release/freedom-foundation-lawsuit-alleges-mask-order-violates-free-speech-compels-virtue-signaling/), recently put out a press release about Washington’s directive requiring residents to wear a mask or equivalent face covering in public places. This directive has been challenged by a lawsuit arguing the state cannot compel citizens to meekly support whatever newest guess the government is making when responding to the COVID-19 virus. By announcing that masks are required, license is given to state residents to publicly scorn, or privately inform on, their neighbours.

Currently 46 out of the 50 states have mask guidelines in place. According to CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/19/us/states-face-mask-coronavirus-trnd/index.html), there are a growing number of US states, who have mandated the use of masks and face coverings while in public. Their claim is that a recent study found that the use of masks and face coverings has been the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of coronavirus.

Currently: California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Washington have mandated masks.

I am not too sure where the law makers, politicians, governmental organizations, and mainstream media are sourcing their information from, but there have been some discrepancies with these claims of masks helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Let’s go a little further down the rabbit hole.

On April 6th, 2020, the World Health Organization released information in a release “Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19.” (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331693/WHO-2019-nCov-IPC_Masks-2020.3-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y)



According to them, there is limited evidence that wearing a medical mask by healthy individuals in the households or among contacts of a sick patient, or among attendees of mass gatherings may be beneficial as a preventive measure. There is currently no evidence that wearing a mask (whether medical or other types) by healthy persons in the wider community setting, including universal community masking, can prevent them from infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

They go a little further to say that the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted. They concluded that the wide use of masks by healthy people in the community setting is not supported by current evidence and carries UNCERTAINTIES and critical RISKS.

Our very own Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Theresa Tam, went live on CTV News, March 30th, 2020, and stated that current evidence doesn’t support public needing masks. I have included the video link for you because I need for you to hear the words out of her mouth. It runs from 0:00 seconds – 2:17 minutes approximately.

In her words, “The government was prioritizing the supply of masks for frontline workers. Continuous scientific evidence shows if you are sick, put on a mask to prevent droplets from spreading. Putting a mask on a person who is asymptomatic (NO SYMPTOMS) is not beneficial if you are not infected. If you are in close contact with someone who has the virus wear the mask.

What we worry about is the potential negative aspects of wearing a mask. It is not protecting your eyes, or other places that the virus can enter your body, and it gives you a false sense of confidence. Also, it increases the touching of your face.”

On the Canada.ca website (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html) they review the limitations of “Non-Medical Masks and Coverings.”

They clearly state that homemade masks are not medical devices and are not regulated like medical masks and respirators:

  • They have not been tested to recognized standards
  • The fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
  • The edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth

These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of a potential loose fit and the materials used.

According to an article published last month in the New England Journal of Medicine: (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2006372)

“We know that wearing a mask outside health care facilities offers little, if any, protection from infection. The chance of catching COVID-19 from a passing interaction in a public space is therefore minimal. In many cases, the desire for widespread masking is a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic.”

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (https://www.jccf.ca/mandatory-masking-requirements-represent-an-interference-with-personal-autonomy/) is closely watching the development of orders and regulations in some jurisdictions, which mandate the use of masks in all indoor public places, and those who require private establishments to enforce this directive.

The Justice Centre highlights the fact that for those who have to wear them for hours on end, masks can be debilitating and even a threat to health. Some of the orders instituted regionally in Ontario fail to fully account for the rights of those who cannot wear a mask safely. Such failings would render the requirements unconstitutional as a result of unjustified violations of sections 7 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, namely the rights to liberty, security of the person, and equality.

In addition, the necessity for exempt persons to disclose private and confidential information to third parties by way of explanation to justify their inability to wear a mask creates privacy concerns, which may render the mandatory mask requirements illegal. Plainly put, you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. You have the right not to wear a mask.

Let’s stop for a moment and take a breath (mask off). I want you to take a second to digest the hypocrisy, misinformation, and blatant half-truths that you have been fed. Now, let’s start providing you with the information that you really need to keep yourself safe from this supposed second-wave of COVID-19 that we are going to be hit with. Clearly, contrary to popular belief, masks aren’t it.

I was introduced to Dr Terry Tillaart (https://www.terrytillaart.com/), and speaking with him offered some clarity. Dr Terry Tillaart graduated with a PhD in Natural Medicine from Kingdom College of Natural Health, certified by Texas Chiropractic College Division of Postgraduate studies. Terry was also nominated as the Moderator for the Natural Cures Forum on the World’s largest health website.

“They cannot enforce it,” Dr Terry began, “Masks are useless. Studies have been done on masks, and respirators, and they all cause harm. We are being told that if we restrict oxygen, we will feel better. What? As humans, we get rid of waste in four ways: Respiration (lungs remove carbon dioxide), perspiration (sweat), defecation (ridding body of solids), and urination (ridding body of liquid waste).

  • How long can you go without eating? About three weeks!
  • How long can you go without drinking? About three days!
  • How long can you without air? About three minutes!
  • This mask premise is fraudulent in so many ways.

Bad health is not something you can catch. If that was the case, you could catch good health.”

The Healthy America Website, produced a research article called, “Science Says Healthy People Should Not Wear Masks.” (https://www.thehealthyamerican.org/about-masks?fbclid=IwAR08eOVWU_8CH_mwpRugbT7yDjyqqmknsxFl5vBPmieqsozBf7eredfobac)

They went through an extensive list and provided reasons as to why healthy people should not be wearing masks:

  • Masks reduce intake of oxygen, leading to carbon dioxide toxicity
  • Germs are trapped near your mouth and nose, increasing risk of infection
  • Wearing a mask causes you to touch your face more frequently
  • There is no scientific evidence that supports healthy people wearing masks
  • Masks obscure your facial features and impede normal social interaction
  • Masks make it hard for hearing-impaired people to understand you

Warning label on box of masks.

Wow! How was that for you? Are you slowly removing your mask as you are reading this? If not, I completely overstand. There is still that fear of catching this COVID-19 thing. So, how do we move on from here?

I had the honour of speaking with Sachin Patel, a retired doctor who was formally trained as a chiropractor. He educated me on the workings of the body, and ways in which we have been misinformed.

“Being a chiropractor taught me how powerful the human body is. You create health; you don’t get health. We have cells we are not taught how to use.

It is our current nomenclature. We shouldn’t look at preventing illness, because anything we are preventing we are creating.

We have to start taking a creationary approach to health. We can decide how well we want to take care of ourselves.  I don’t take any health advice that is not at least 2,000 years old. Good health is quite simple when you look at it: smile often, keep good company, get a lot of sun, and eat natural foods.

Our bodies are operating systems. Hardware is our physical body. Software tells the matter what to do (fears, beliefs, how we are triggered, our nervous system). Our minds can become incorrectly programed for disease. Fear has been weaponized.  Think about it Simone; we are using a $1.00 mask to guard a trillion-dollar body.”

The good thing is that although there are certain cities in Toronto that are issuing these bylaws, the provincial government has declined a blanket order that people have to wear masks in indoor settings.

“A provincial policy isn’t necessary as local medical officers of health have the authority to institute the same policy the mayors requested under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act,” Ontario’s Health Ministry said in a statement.

Let’s take a look at Section 22, Order by M.O.H. re communicable disease Health Protection and Promotion Act (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h07/v9)

  1. (1) A medical officer of health, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), by a written order may require a person to take or to refrain from taking any action that is specified in the order in respect of a communicable disease. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, s. 22 (1).

That’s right people. You do have a choice. This docuview is not meant to sway you in any direction. We are all autonomous beings and have the right to live our lives the way we want. I just hope that this docuview provided you with enough information for you to make an educated decision on your health, and going forward, I want you all to be very cautious when listening to the news. Do your research and find the best way to take care of your health.

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We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Lamond Haughton

    July 11, 2020 at 12:26 pm

    Would love to do and interview with the author of the article .

    Reply

  2. Joe

    July 13, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    God bless

    Reply

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Community News

Step into Spring with SheaMoisture’s new collection

Published

1 day ago

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April 25, 2024

By

BY TRISHA SMITH

In the heart of downtown is the historical charm known as the Distillery District. Nestled within this urban tapestry were the most beautiful Black women and men, dressed in purple and blue glam, coming to celebrate yet another SheaMoisture collection in the sheik Archeo event space.

The atmosphere was giving luxe with a welcoming and social vibe. As soon as I arrived, I was given a cute flower crown that brought yet another layer of cohesiveness in everyone’s matching attire.

The place was buzzing with Toronto influencers: women in business, creatives and journalists like me, eager to connect, while enjoying a tasteful selection of finger food and signature cocktails. DJ Martina was spinning the latest Afrobeats and R&B, keeping the energy high. There was a visual artist vendor customizing complimentary plants, and hairstyling stations, where women were upping their hair game with SheaMoisture’s new product collection.

Speaking of new collections, SheaMoisture is launching a whopping eight new products this summer! The Scalp Moisture collection consists of 4 new products: shampoo, conditioner, pre-wash masque and scalp cream. The original Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse has two new sisters: a multi-styling mousse from the Manuka Honey & Yogurt line, and the Wrap and Set Mousse, from the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil line. This one is for roller sets and twist outs while the multi-styling mousse was formulated for the ladies with braids, locks and up-dos. There was also a new whipped curl cream, and last, but certainly not least, a Coconut and Hibiscus +Flaxseed edge gel. We all know a Black girl’s edge is the icing on any hairstyle and this edge gel offers a semi-firm hold without the flaking and unnatural stiffness.

I’ve had the opportunity to smell and try them all and as always, the scents never decline, and the consistency is on point. One thing I personally love about this brand is their dedication in providing Black women clean organic ingredients, free of parabens, petroleum and mineral oil which is a big plus in my book as a registered nutritionist. It’s important to note that whatever we put in our scalp and on our bodies, goes directly into our bloodstream. Harmful ingredients can cause toxic build-up and hormone disruption while SheaMoisture’s organic ingredient profile does what it’s supposed to do, minus the hidden harm.

My personal favourite from the line is the scalp cream. It’s used just like hair oil but what I love about it is the cream application. I don’t have to worry about an overly shiny scalp with oil dripping down my forehead on a hot summer day. I also don’t have to be weary of the oil messing up my clothes during application (which happens every so often). The application tip t is perfect, the cream goes directly on my scalp, and it disappears as soon as you massage it in. No white film or build up and I’ve been using it every day! It’s obvious that our hair concerns are always at the forefront and SheaMoisture always has its way of delivering exactly what we need.

Their dedication to fair trade and ethical sourcing has brought forth fair wages and a better quality of life for families in Ghana and Burkina Faso. SheaMoisture has not only made their mark globally with remarkable products, but they have changed the lives of thousands through partnerships and most importantly, giving back.

SheaMoisture was also proud to announce their second year of the Dream Fund! This fund is a continuation of the grant program to offer financial support to the community. The Dream Fund grant program offers $10,000 each to five Black owned businesses in the beauty and wellness space. If you are a Black business with a product, or service that serves the community, you are encouraged to apply for your chance to win! Applications open April 15th, 2024, and close May 31st, 2024. Winners will be announced July 15th, 2024! Keep in mind, you do not need to be a hairstylist, or specifically in the beauty industry to apply.

Last year, a book publishing company, a fitness organization, a chef and a hair accessory company took home the gold. No matter how big, or small your company is, think about the greater impact you can make with an extra $10,000! The Dream Fund serves all Black businesses across Canada and is just one of the many grants, scholarships and funding accessible to the Black community on a global scale.

SheaMoisture is out here making big moves and standing with the underdogs so we can all rise in power and service to our community, and for that I will always support this product line and their initiatives.

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Amplifying authentic African narratives; the stars came out at the BSO Symposium

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2024

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I tell you, the team at Humanity Ova Vanity is solidifying their place in Toronto’s creative scene. It is incredible to see an organization embrace the essence of human creativity, curating experiences that transcend superficiality and celebrating the authentic expressions of people.

With every event that the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is invited to, I am exposed, and have a deeper innerstanding about their commitment to showcasing the richness of human ingenuity. Through their curated experiences, they invite the world to witness the beauty that arises when humanity comes together in genuine expression, fostering connections and inspiring others to embrace their own creativity.

On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, the Black Screen Office (BSO) hosted a Fireside chat with O-T Fagbenle, an acclaimed: actor, writer, and director known for his roles in: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” (which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor) “The First Lady,” and his creation “Maxxx.” In 2022, he starred as Cameron Lautner in the Apple TV+ drama “WeCrashed,” a series inspired by the tumultuous story of WeWork, and O-T can next be seen in the upcoming series “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+ opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard.

The exclusive fireside chat in conversation with Donisha Prendergast was held at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade (The Quay) that forms part of the BSO Symposium, a platform dedicated to amplifying authentic African narratives and fostering substantial representation in the arts. The symposium successfully facilitated featured speakers from overseas and connected students with the opportunity to participate in creative discussion. The discussion revolved around bringing authentic African stories to life. It’s evident that African stories have been untold, mistold, and marginalized. While there are efforts to address this, they often seem minimal compared to the potential for true representation and impactful storytelling. The goal is to catalyze change.

The symposium became a starting place of strength, celebrating the global influence of African culture—the “origins of cool.” It featured: decision-makers, broadcasters, streamers, funders, distributors, producers, and creatives in the screen industry, a day for collective ideation on what’s possible, not just locally but globally.

The symposium was hosted by Melanie Nicholls King, and featured keynote interviews (Sean Cohan), and presentations from esteemed guests (Jully Black, Mark Bamuthi Joseph, Rob Maylor), roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and special presentations. “This enriches our collective endeavor, making it not just a meeting but a milestone event for actionable change,” shares Donisha Prendergast Founder at HOV.

Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the BSO, stated, “Our mission at the Black Screen Office extends beyond initiating dialogues; we aim to enact real change. O-T Fagbenle’s participation underscored our dedication to creating an inclusive screen industry that celebrates the richness of Black stories.”

If the success of the symposium was not enough, the rainy evening of April 2nd, 2024, brought its own treat. I made my way down to Its OK Studios to watch Canada’s #1 weekly podcast (now available on Apple Music), to watch a live episode of Extra Gravy with hosts: That Dude McFly, Alicia ‘Ace’ West and Big Norm. O-T made his second appearance of the day to screen episodes of “Maxxx!”

This will be a reunion of sorts and nothing short of comedic, as Marlon was one of the comedy writers who workshopped the development of Maxxx in Toronto (now showing on Channel 4 and later picked up by Hulu).

The highlight of my night was my sit-down interview (stay tuned for that) with Rob Maylor, a Jamaican-American lawyer, producer, and spearhead at Mental Telepathy Pictures. He is noted for executive producing “Sprinter,” championed by Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith. Collaborations with luminaries like Shaka King and companies such as Hillman Grad showcase his commitment to authentic storytelling.

With a rich background including stints at UTA, Mark Burnett Productions, and Magnolia Pictures, Rob’s expertise extends to notable projects like: Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love,” and HBO’s “Get Millie Black.”

I am excited about what he shared with me, and I know it is going to excite our creatives who are reading this. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce and home of Jamaica’s Film Commission, has announced the opening of the Call for Applications under the Jamaica
Screen Development Initiative (JSDI).

The JSDI is a J$1 billion financing initiative by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) aimed at bolstering and enriching the local film industry while attracting destination films. Through the JSDI, filmmakers, animators and creatives will be supported in developing eligible, local screen-based projects across various stages of development.

The Call for Applications for grant and loan support for Development, Production and Post-Production (Completion) phases end on April 28th, 2024. However, applications for Film Festivals and Market Attendance, applications for Marketing and Distribution, as well as Production Rebates will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications will be subjected to a validation check to ensure eligibility and assessment by an evaluation panel comprising local and international film industry experts. Assessment factors include: the strength of the application, demonstrated track record and/or ability to progress project development and execution, financial feasibility, market interests and marketing plan, as well as the overall benefit of the project to the Jamaican economy.

Exciting indeed! Application guidelines as well as the application form can be found at: https://dobusinessjamaica.com/jamaica-screen-development-initiative/.

Incredible work is being done here in Toronto, and we are so happy to be at the helm of it.

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Not just a reunion; It’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Welcome to the 10thBiennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

Published

1 week ago

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April 19, 2024

By

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national development goals.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith

There is definitely excitement surrounding the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and this excitement was evident at the launch that took place on Thursday April 4th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. The Conference theme is “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,” and the hybrid event will be held June 16th – 19th, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It will be the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a signature biennial global forum that connects Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe with the aim to strengthen linkages and build alliances that will fuel Jamaica’s growth and development on the world stage.

Since its inception, participation in the conference has steadily increased and as such this year’s target is 5,000 participants. The conference highlights that the Jamaican Diaspora represents much more than their ability to produce remittances, with its significant untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship development and the transfer of new and emerging skills.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica. He said marketing Jamaica as ‘Destination Trade and Investment’ and using the conference to provide key linkages for investment opportunities, is to “Get Jamaicans across the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, see investment returns, and see yourselves earning money.”

“Everyone knows Jamaica for its sunshine, but Jamaica is more than our beaches. It’s more than coming down and having a Red Stripe beer, having some jerked chicken or going to Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica is also one of the best economies in the developing world,” the State Minister said.

Key stakeholders, including Conference Chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell, Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group, and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.

The Thursday rising launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as: the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.

Guests attending the Conference this year will have thematic sessions addressing the following:

  • Educational transformation through digitalization: exchange, exposure and opportunities for self-actualization in Jamaica and the diaspora
  • Embracing the migration compact: sustaining a thriving diaspora
  • Breaking barriers and building futures: empowering Jamaican communities with citizen security, entrepreneurship, digital age technologies, and productivity, in partnership with the diaspora
  • Empowering the youth for the future economy: actions and pathways to success and paying it forward
  • Tourism and wealth creation

During her keynote address, Foreign Minister the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors: healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.

Guests also have the Marketplace to look forward to, as well as the Government at Your Service sections which will facilitate access to a wide range of services from both the business and public sectors. The Diaspora Day of Service will take place on June 20th, 2024, and will entail a wide range of charitable projects pioneered and supported by the diaspora across the country. In some cases, there is broader coordination from within regions and some initiatives are pursued at the individual or organizational level. Projects are registered on an event platform to facilitate broader support, coordination and reach.

The launch had surprises like a digital dollar giveaway, and other engagement surprises that ensured that as the world gathers in Montego Bay, this in-person conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register NOW to be a part of this historic homecoming.

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