Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, has lauded the contribution of the diaspora to the country’s development, particularly in the critical areas of health and education.
She said that up to July this year, there have been more than 133 diaspora-led health missions to the island, which have contributed US$6.7 million to the public health sector.
“In 2016, the diaspora organised 192 charitable missions and contributed US$8 million to Jamaica,” she noted.
She said that remittances, which account for more than 15 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), go a far way in helping to cover medical and educational expenses for thousands of families in Jamaica.
Ambassador Marks was addressing members of the Benevolent Missions of Atlanta (BMA) at a special breakfast in celebration of Jamaica’s 55th year of Independence held on August 13 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
She urged the members of the BMA to “continue supporting these various outreach efforts, as your contributions are truly making a difference”.
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