Concept for the Diaspora Conference

Theme: As one people in many lands, we shape our nation with many hands

A conference is proposed to be held as part of the Vincy Homecoming 2009 Agenda. It is to be dubbed the National Homecoming Conference. This conference is intended to bring together Vincentians at home and abroad to discuss issues related to national development. The goal of the exercise is to establish a framework for cultivating and sustaining greater co-operation and stronger partnership between Vincentians at home and abroad and to identify some practical start-off projects.

The conference is premised on the view that Vincentians in the Diaspora contribute significantly to national development in various ways. Contributions include direct remittances, investment in property and businesses, donations to institutions and organisations, inputs into discussions and dialogue on national development issues, to name only these. As a result, it is important that a space is created in the National Homecoming Conference for the Vincentian Diaspora to play an important role.

Over the years contributions from the Diaspora have become diversified and their quantum have grown to become very significant in the context of the national economy and national development, generally. Vincentians in both domains share the view that the form and extent of these contributions could and should be made more structured and sustainable. The question is: What is/are the most effective way(s) of doing so? This is one of the fundamental question that the upcoming conference is seeking to address. Another issue that is central to the Homecoming and would be addressed is to get local Vincentians to begin to focus on the development of the country taking into consideration our historical realities.

The conceptualization of the conference recognizes that:

  • There is a need for a reflection on our history and the lessons learnt.
  • Nationals in the Diaspora make significant contribution primarily through remittances, cash, ideas and barrels;
  • Product such as breadfruit, ground provision and seasonings move regularly from SVG to the Diaspora;
  • Some nationals in the Diaspora maintain their involvement through membership in local organizations and contribution to development areas of education, health, sports and others;
  • Vincentians at home and in the Diaspora can work together using experience, expertise, financial resources and entrepreneurial ability to aid in national development;
  • Vincentians in the Diaspora can benefit more from investment in SVG through the pooling of resources for investment and venture capital.
 

The objectives of this conference therefore include:

  1. To increase the understanding of the forms of collaboration between Vincentians living at home and abroad and how to strengthen them;
  2. To increase the understanding of how Vincentians at home and abroad may increase their interest and involvement in local organizations and their contribution to development areas of education, health, sports and others;
  3. To increase the commitment of Vincentians at home and abroad to work together to find additional ways to pool financial resources as a source of investment capital.

The principal tasks of the conference therefore is examine the various forms in which Vincentians living abroad contribute to national development, and find the most effective modality or modalities that will enable more sustained, structured and expanded productive engagement.

To undertake this task and fulfill the objectives the methodology for conference engagement should include a combination of well researched presentations with practical suggestions for action, best practice case studies with practical ideas for action, and small group sessions to examine and workout best options for moving ahead.

Agenda for the Homecoming Conference