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Jamaicans overseas sent an additional US$93 million home during the three months immediately after Hurricane Melissa compared with the same period a year earlier, Minister of State Alando Terrelonge has reported. The increase formed part of US$3.12 billion in remittances sent to Jamaica during the 2025–2026 fiscal year, according to The Gleaner’s report on his address to the second Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference in Philadelphia. December 2025 recorded a historic monthly high of US$296 million. Terrelonge, who has responsibility for diaspora affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, addressed more than 300 delegates at Temple University. He thanked Jamaicans living abroad for increasing their support following the hurricane and acknowledged their contributions to the island’s recovery. The figures document money transferred from overseas to Jamaica during the recovery period. Terrelonge also highlighted contributions extending beyond remittances, including professional expertise, volunteer work, cultural advocacy and community engagement. Healthcare was one area where he identified a specific commitment. As of October 2025, diaspora supporters had backed 37 of the 59 clinics adopted under the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-a-Clinic programme. That support represented commitments exceeding J$100 million towards improving access to primary healthcare in Jamaican communities, he said. He also cited professional development programmes and seminars in education, public health, science and technology, alongside contributions to school and health infrastructure through the National Education Trust and the National Health Fund. The two-day Philadelphia conference brought together government officials, diplomats, business executives, investors, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders and young professionals to discuss strengthening overseas Jamaicans’ contribution to the country. Terrelonge said the Government wanted to develop more sustained programmes and partnerships with the diaspora, with measurable results for Jamaica. He said it was exploring ways to reduce institutional barriers affecting trade, business, investment and philanthropy, while improving access to investment opportunities and participation in knowledge-transfer programmes and policy committees. Those proposals concern future engagement. The remittance figures and clinic commitments were the concrete contributions he presented, showing how Jamaicans abroad had already provided financial support to the island and its public services.
Jamaicans overseas sent an additional US$93 million home during the three months immediately after Hurricane Melissa compared with the same period a year earlier, Minister of State Alando Terrelonge has reported.
The increase formed part of US$3.12 billion in remittances sent to Jamaica during the 2025–2026 fiscal year, according to The Gleaner’s report on his address to the second Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA Conference in Philadelphia. December 2025 recorded a historic monthly high of US$296 million.
Terrelonge, who has responsibility for diaspora affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, addressed more than 300 delegates at Temple University. He thanked Jamaicans living abroad for increasing their support following the hurricane and acknowledged their contributions to the island’s recovery.
The figures document money transferred from overseas to Jamaica during the recovery period. Terrelonge also highlighted contributions extending beyond remittances, including professional expertise, volunteer work, cultural advocacy and community engagement.
Healthcare was one area where he identified a specific commitment. As of October 2025, diaspora supporters had backed 37 of the 59 clinics adopted under the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-a-Clinic programme. That support represented commitments exceeding J$100 million towards improving access to primary healthcare in Jamaican communities, he said.
He also cited professional development programmes and seminars in education, public health, science and technology, alongside contributions to school and health infrastructure through the National Education Trust and the National Health Fund.
The two-day Philadelphia conference brought together government officials, diplomats, business executives, investors, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders and young professionals to discuss strengthening overseas Jamaicans’ contribution to the country.
Terrelonge said the Government wanted to develop more sustained programmes and partnerships with the diaspora, with measurable results for Jamaica. He said it was exploring ways to reduce institutional barriers affecting trade, business, investment and philanthropy, while improving access to investment opportunities and participation in knowledge-transfer programmes and policy committees.
Those proposals concern future engagement. The remittance figures and clinic commitments were the concrete contributions he presented, showing how Jamaicans abroad had already provided financial support to the island and its public services.
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