Fellow Jamaicans and friends, I extend to you sincere Christmas greetings in this time of goodwill and love. 

On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I wish to extend sincere appreciation for the tremendous role which you, as the Jamaican Diaspora, and as extended family, have played in the development of Jamaica over the years.

I am proud of the fact that the first Jamaica Diaspora Conference was held under the theme, RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGE: JAMAICANS UNITE FOR PROGRESS during the 3rd – 4th October 2009, at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the Diaspora can be seen in the establishment of the Joint Select Committee on Diaspora Affairs in Parliament led by our Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Hon Ronald Robinson, which met for the first time on 3 December 2009.

We at the Jamaican Consulate General in New York thank you for your continued support and we are committed to serving you well despite human resources and financial constraints.

Jamaicans in the United States of America (USA) should register with us in person, by mail or through our website, www.congenjamaica-ny.org.  There are prizes inclusive of a trip to Jamaica which will be drawn in March 2010.

As you celebrate with your loved ones this season, may Christmas blessings touch you and your families in a meaningful way.

I wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.