By Clayton Clarke
sharfusjournals@gmail.com
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs is hailing the contributions of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora in showcasing the country abroad.
Director of the Ministry’s Citizen and Consular Support Division Adanna Edwards says nationals living overseas have been bolstering the efforts of her Ministry. “Members of the diaspora have proven to be a valuable resource as they continue to support the work programme of our diplomatic missions abroad. They lend support in organizing and executing events which promote the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, publicize and patronize initiatives of our overseas missions and co-host events to promote trade, investment, tourism and culture,” Edwards said.
Speaking at the 3rd Biennial Homecoming Conference hosted by the Trinbago Diaspora Outreach Network (TIDON) at the Radisson Hotel Trinidad, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, on October 16, Edwards said nationals who have migrated have not forgotten the villages and towns they came from. “They continue to positively impact their local communities as well as communities here in this country. We view the diaspora as an active contributor in the areas of investment and entrepreneurship, mentorship, skills transfer, education, innovation, technology and cultural creation,” she said.
“With this perspective in mind, we must acknowledge that the key to diaspora engagement is transforming goodwill into action and measurable outcomes. We must harness the capabilities of the members of our diaspora to move the nation along its developmental trajectory,” she added.
Edwards outlined the Government’s plans for deeper diaspora involvement. “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, is in the process of finalising the development of a National Diaspora Policy. This is in keeping with the Government’s intention to engage the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora and the wider Caribbean diaspora in a more systematic, strategic and structured manner. The aim is to realise significant rewards for the country across several key spheres: ICTs, Trade, Tourism, Maritime, Sustainable Development, Health and Education,” Edwards said.
This year’s conference was held under the theme “Mobilising Diaspora Capital, Compassion and Culture for National Development.”
Edwards explained that the Ministry has launched its Commercial Diplomacy Division, which aims to coordinate the implementation of Trinidad and Tobago’s commercial diplomacy framework by leveraging the country’s network of overseas missions, as well as identifying strategic sources of investment and economic opportunities abroad.
SPONSORS of Homecoming 2026: Tobago House of Assembly, Radisson Trinidad, Belgroves Funeral Home, Caribbean Airlines, Mind Your Life Global, Zinora Global Advisory, CANE Radio, Maranatha Properties Ltd., Caribbean Showtime.