Community leader Lisa Rutty has formally announced her candidacy for re-election to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, pledging to continue advancing advocacy, engagement, and practical support for Jamaicans living abroad, with a strong focus on Canada’s growing diaspora.

The GJDC, which succeeded the former Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board, was created to deepen diaspora participation worldwide and align overseas engagement with the priorities set out in Jamaica’s National Diaspora Policy. Rutty has served as an elected member since 2023 and says her decision to seek a second term reflects unfinished work and expanding opportunities for impact.

During her first term, Rutty played a leading role in the Regional Diaspora Conference hosted in Toronto in September 2023. She spearheaded sponsorship efforts that raised $18,950 and moderated the Invest in Jamaica session, helping connect Canadian-based Jamaicans with business and development opportunities back home.

Her involvement continued at the Biennial Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay in June 2024, where she moderated panels on the National Housing Trust and on tourism and wealth creation. Rutty also helped secure sponsorships and entertainment, and supported the Diaspora Day of Service at Mount Olive Basic School through donations of supplies and resources.

In recognition of her work, Rutty received the President’s Award from the Jamaican Canadian Association in August 2024, honouring her contributions to promoting Jamaica and strengthening diaspora ties.

Rutty currently serves on an advocacy and lobbying committee alongside the Realtor Association of Jamaica, with the support of Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the GJDC. The committee focuses on addressing diaspora concerns related to real estate investment, and Rutty plans to lead educational workshops across Canada to improve public understanding of investment pathways.

She has also been deeply involved in humanitarian and disaster relief. Following Hurricane Melissa, Rutty helped coordinate a benefit concert that raised $50,120, while a JCA-led collection effort surpassed $691,000 by early January 2026. She further organized province-wide logistics across Ontario, resulting in five 50-foot containers of relief supplies being shipped to Jamaica.

Beyond the GJDC, Rutty volunteers extensively with the JCA, supports cultural events across the Greater Toronto Area, collaborates with George Brown College on community education initiatives, and remains active in outreach through her New Apostolic Church community in Brampton.

“I am seeking re-election to continue advocating for a stronger, more connected diaspora with real access to opportunity and support,” Rutty said.

Members of the Jamaican diaspora in Canada are encouraged to register to vote in the upcoming GJDC elections. More information is available at www.connectmeja.com

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