Patrick Vernon’s Six Commitments to Justice, Care and Collective Progress

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has confirmed that the 2026 elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC) will proceed as planned, with full support from the Government of Jamaica. Voting will take place online between January 28 and February 20, 2026.

The press release explains that following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, Electoral Committees in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada requested a temporary pause to prioritise relief and recovery efforts. As Jamaica transitions from emergency response to rebuilding, the committees have now realigned the process and confirmed readiness to continue with the elections.

Minister of State Alando Terrelonge emphasised that the elections are designed to ensure structured, transparent, and inclusive diaspora engagement, enabling support to be channelled into measurable outcomes for Jamaica. He highlighted record participation in this election cycle, with 51 candidates contesting seats—the highest number to date—demonstrating strong confidence in the councils.

The release reaffirms the Government’s long-standing, policy-driven approach to diaspora engagement through the National Diaspora Policy and cautions against misinformation aimed at undermining the process. Eligible Jamaicans overseas are encouraged to vote and remain active partners in shaping Jamaica’s future

Patrick Vernon’s Manifesto

Patrick Vernon’s manifesto for the Jamaican Diaspora is rooted in decades of public service, national campaigning, and community leadership. It reflects a deep commitment to justice, wellbeing, cultural truth, and coordinated action—grounded not in rhetoric, but in lived experience and delivery across government, health systems, academia, and civil society.

At its core, this manifesto is about strengthening Jamaica’s global family: aligning the skills, resources, and influence of the diaspora to support sustainable development, social justice, and national resilience.

1. Race Equality, Justice & Reparations
I will continue to champion racial justice and equality, building on decades of work challenging institutional racism, advancing reparations discussions, and ensuring the diaspora’s voice is heard in global conversations on justice, truth, and repair.

2. Health, Mental Wellbeing & Care Equity
Drawing on my experience as a senior NHS leader and commissioner, I will advocate for improved mental health support, culturally competent healthcare, and stronger health partnerships between Jamaica and the diaspora.

3. Trade, Investment & Cultural Tourism
I will promote trade, ethical investment, and cultural tourism that benefits local communities in Jamaica. This includes supporting diaspora-led businesses, creative industries, heritage tourism, and partnerships that showcase Jamaica’s culture, history, and global influence while creating jobs and sustainable growth.

4. Culture, Heritage & Historical Truth
I will continue commissioning and supporting cultural heritage projects—from Windrush legacy work to Caribbean family history—ensuring Jamaica’s story is told with accuracy, pride, and respect, and used as a platform for education and economic opportunity.

5. Youth Leadership, Social Enterprise & Innovation
I will support youth leadership, social enterprise, and entrepreneurship across the diaspora, helping unlock skills exchange, mentoring, and investment opportunities that benefit communities in Jamaica and abroad.

6. Coordinated Diaspora Leadership & Resilience
I will work to align diaspora organisations, faith groups, professionals, and businesses so our advocacy, fundraising, trade promotion, and disaster response—including reconstruction after Hurricane Melissa—are strategic, transparent, and impactful.

My Pledge
I bring proven leadership from local government, the Civil Service, the NHS, academia, and national campaigning. I will use this experience to deliver credible representation, practical action, and lasting impact—strengthening Jamaica’s economy, culture, and global standing.