In keeping with our goal of stimulating constructive dialogue on development, JAMPACT has hosted three major conferences to date:
Held June 2002, the main features of the Conference were the two panel discussions and the keynote presentation during the luncheon. The first panel discussion "Rebuilding Our Values & Attitudes", examined the socioeconomic factors that influence the values and attitudes of Jamaicans and some of the steps necessary to preserve the principled Jamaican values that we were taught as children. The second panel discussion, "Enhancing Jamaica's Tourism Product", focused on using culture and community tourism to diversify and enrich Jamaica's tourist product. The event stimulated much discussion among participants and saw heated debate in both panel discussions as participants made their contributions towards finding solutions for some of the challenges currently facing Jamaica.
The conference attracted approximately 100 participants and several distinguished guests, including Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Dr. the Hon. Basil Bryan and Keynote Speaker Dr. The Hon. Vin Lawrence, Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation.
In May 2001, representatives of Jamaica's economic, political, academic, cultural and religious sectors came together to discuss "Turning the Tide: Perspectives on Reclaiming Jamaica." The event featured a keynote address by Hon. Barbara Gloudon, co-host of Jamaica's leading public affairs talk show "Hotline", on the topic of pride and nationalism, which was met with resounding applause. Other highlights included a roundtable on Jamaica's future, entitled, "Jamaica 2010: Visions for the Future". This discussion featured a diverse group of speakers representing leadership from all walks of life: dancehall artist Bounty Killer; Dr. Peter-John Gordon, Planning Institute of Jamaica; Sandra Glasgow, Entrepreneurial Center, UTECH; Dr. David Panton, Jamaica Labour Party; Basil Waite, People's National Party; and Reverend Dennis Dillon, Christian Time.
The morning discussion "Urban Renewal: A Partnership for Revitalization", looked at how the public and private sectors can work together to improve and reinvigorate Jamaica's cities. Panelists included Howard Hamilton, Jamaica's Public Defender; Victor Cummings, KSAC; Onika Miller, Ministry of Local Government; and Menelik Alleyne, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, who shared his perspective on Harlem as an example of successful urban renewal.
This successful conference, held in May 2000, attracted over 125 participants and stimulated debate on investing in and returning to Jamaica. The Keynote Speaker Senator Douglas Orane, Chairman & CEO, Grace Kennedy & Co., addressed the enormous opportunity for Jamaican culture and products overseas. Other panelists included Hon. Anthony Hylton, Minister of Foreign Trade, Jamaica; Dr. Nigel Clarke, Director, Caribbean Investment Fund; Claudette Chin, Vice President, JAMPRO; Donna Duncan, Managing Director, Jamaica Money Market Brokers and several Jamaican entrepreneurs.
