In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, Janice McIntosh has launched her campaign for re-election to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council’s southern United States representative position. The Category 5 storm’s devastation has underscored the critical need for organized diaspora engagement, according to McIntosh, who is among six candidates vying to lead the 13-state bloc.
The Florida-based candidate emphasized that her central mission involves fortifying connections between southern U.S. Jamaicans and decision-makers in their homeland. “The diaspora represents one of Jamaica’s most significant untapped resources,” McIntosh stated in an interview with Observer Online. “My objective centers on creating structured channels for communication, coordination, and collaboration to ensure diaspora voices, skills, and resources contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s sustainable development.”
McIntosh brings substantial credentials to her candidacy, having resided in South Florida since 2009 while serving eleven years as Jamaica National Bank’s chief representative officer—a role that required consistent liaison with Jamaican institutions. Her extensive community work in Lauderhill, which hosts South Florida’s largest Jamaican population, further strengthens her qualifications.
The electoral process, administered by Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, will conduct online voting from January 28 through February 20. The southern region’s winner will succeed Peter Gracey, elected in 2023, and will join newly elected representatives from the U.S. northeast, west Midwest, and Canadian regions.
McIntosh characterizes her approach as “people-centered and highly engaged,” rejecting ceremonial representation in favor of active bridge-building and consistent follow-through with diaspora organizations, community leaders, and Jamaican citizens across demographic groups.