Global Jamaica Diaspora Council urging Jamaican immigrants to vote
Published:Saturday | January 17, 2026 | 12:09 AMSophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer
Candidates vying for representative roles on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC) in Canada have until Monday, January 19, to register their interest.
The registration deadline precedes the official release of the nominees’ list, which is scheduled for January 24. According to Sharon Nelson, the Montreal-based chair for the Canadian contingent of the electoral committee, the selection process is currently being finalised.
“By Monday, the process will be closed. We will then be able to provide the names of nominees nationally after approval, based on the criteria they have followed,” said Nelson, who also serves with the Jamaica Association of Montreal.
By February 20, Jamaicans across Canada will see the culmination of the democratic process when four individuals are officially elected as representatives following the final vote count.
Jamaican immigrants residing in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States are being urged to register to vote by the stipulated deadline. Officials, who have a release of the nomination list, which is scheduled, described this as an imperative step in the ongoing process, as registered candidates have already commenced their campaigns.
The GJDC was established to bolster diaspora engagement. Nelson reiterated that participation in the council is a vital element of interacting with the Government of Jamaica.
“It is an important component for Jamaicans to be a part of and interacting with the Jamaican Government at home, so people understand the realities of Jamaicans in Canada, but also the Jamaicans on the ground from the direct source,” she stated.
She noted that recent events, such as the passage of Hurricane Melissa, have highlighted the need for direct communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
In Ontario, Leo Campbell and Danae Peart are actively campaigning for GJDC roles. These positions serve as a direct link to the island, providing advisory support to Alando Terrelonge, minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
Campbell is a veteran in diaspora affairs, having previously served as a youth representative on the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board, the GJDC’s predecessor. In 2007, he was appointed as the Future Leaders Observer and Representative for the UK, USA, and Canada.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
A social justice advocate and governance leader, Campbell has held senior positions in several prominent, black-led organisations in the Greater Toronto Area, including a stint as board chair of Caribbean African Canadian Social Services. He has also served in executive roles at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) and on the board of Roots Community Services Inc.
“I’m running to strengthen the diaspora. Canada is big and Jamaicans are everywhere,” said Campbell.
Meanwhile, Peart, a multi-hyphenate professional and media consultant, expressed her deep-seated commitment to her homeland.
“I am a lover of Jamaica,” Peart told The Gleaner.
“I have a vested interest in Jamaica. It’s not just about being born and raised there or maintaining dual citizenship.”
Peart, who travels to Jamaica annually, aims to bring a public relations lens to the council to enhance engagement and highlight the diaspora’s work. Her professional background includes serving as executive director for the Emery Keelesdale Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic and former CEO of VIBE105 FM and VX3Exchange.
Incumbent representative Lisa Rutty has formally announced her bid for re-election. Rutty, an active volunteer with the JCA, stated: “I am seeking re-election to continue advocating for a stronger, more connected diaspora with real access to opportunity and support.”
Rutty has been instrumental in humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Melissa. She helped coordinated relief initiatives, including a benefit concert in November that raised over CDN$50,000, and a JCA-led collection that amassed (CDN)$691,204 as of January 4, 2026. Her efforts also resulted in the shipment of five 50-foot containers of relief supplies to the island.
Conversely, Rhona Dunwell, who secured a seat in the 2023-2025 term, has announced she will not seek re-election. Dunwell told The Gleaner that her decision was influenced by her demanding career as an HR leader and her commitments to educational advocacy.
“The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on our island, particularly on educational institutions, has made rebuilding education my foremost priority,” Dunwell said, noting her continued service on the board of the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations.
Dunwell remarked that, while she steps away from the council, she is encouraged by the calibre of candidates currently campaigning.
“There are thousands of us here, yet only a small fraction take part in shaping the future of diaspora representation. Your voice matters. Let’s ensure that the Jamaican diaspora remains strong, united, and engaged,” beseeched Dunwell.
Members of the Jamaican diaspora in Canada are encouraged to vote at www.connectmeja.com by February 20.