Jamaican-owned remittance company JN Money recently opened its first branch in Orlando, Florida, marking a major step in its strategy to expand its footprint across the United States. The company, a member of the JN Financial Group headquartered in Kingston, is known for providing fast and affordable money-transfer services to the Caribbean and countries in other regions. The new branch is centrally located at 5131 W. Colonial Drive, Pine Hills FL 32808, in the busy Caribbean Super Center Plaza. Regarding its latest move, general manager Horace Hines says JN Money is strengthening its presence in key US markets where Caribbean nationals rely on remittance services to maintain their contributions to local households. The opening of the Orlando branch is its second in the southern region of the US and brings to 13 the overall number of JN Money branches across the US, including New York, Georgia, and Connecticut. The company also has 47 agents. In 2023, it deepened its agent network through its partnership with Laparkan Global and Freight Logistics Solutions. The Guyanese-owned Laparkan offers JN Money services at its 12 branches across the US. “Our goal has always been to make sending money easier and more convenient for our customers and we have a significant diaspora presence in Orlando,” he said. “Expanding into this city is a proud moment for us as it is home to a large Caribbean community. We are committed to providing reliable service that allows families to stay connected financially.” He noted that the company recently received regulatory approval to operate in the state of Rhode Island, with plans to enter more states in 2025. Hines also revealed that the company is also gearing up to launch its mobile app that will further improve accessibility for customers, an addition to its digital offerings as customers outside Jamaica already have the option to send funds and pay bills digitally using JN Money Online. The app is expected to further enhance its offerings, allowing users to send money seamlessly from their smartphones. “As technology evolves, so do the needs of our customers,” Hines added. “The mobile app will allow people to send funds and pay bills, with just a few taps, ensuring a faster and more efficient experience.” Maxine Hinds, regional manager, JNMS USA Southern Region, emphasised the company’s commitment to expanding its reach. “We recognise the importance of making our services accessible to more people across the US. The approval to operate in Rhode Island is just the beginning, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead in other states.” She further noted the company’s dedication to excellent customer service. “Our customers rely on us for safe, secure, and affordable transactions. We take pride in maintaining a high standard of service and look forward to growing our footprint further in the US market.” LISA VASCIANNIE’S recent exploration, in this newspaper, of whether Jamaicans living abroad should have the right to vote in the island’s elections has revived an issue once championed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, but on which the administration has since been silent – even after the question was tangentially addressed by the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC). IN FACT, Dr Holness went further than supporting the diaspora’s right to vote. In 2015, as leader of the Opposition, he urged the then Portia Simpson Miller administration to explore ways for overseas Jamaicans to be given direct representation in Parliament, using France’s approach. “We have looked at the French model and see that it is quite appropriate, and we will bring it to public attention and public debate,”Dr Holness said at the time. The Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, has stopped short of supporting giving the vote to the diaspora, but has suggested that they could be more deeply involved in domestic governance, including serving on the boards of government bodies. NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED The matter of the diaspora’s role in Jamaica’s elections was not specifically addressed by the CRC in its first round of discussions, except in relation to the eligibility criteria for the non-executive president when Jamaica becomes a republic, and its recommendation for the elimination from Commonwealth citizens of the right to vote and to sit in the legislature having lived in the island for a year. Ending the automatic voting rights of Commonwealth citizens, as we declared 10 months ago, has the support of this newspaper. That is part of the evolution of our stand on the voting rights question, to include that only persons who are solely Jamaican citizens should have the right to membership of Parliament. At present, Jamaicans living abroad, if they remain on the island’s voters register, can vote in domestic elections. But they have to travel to Jamaica to cast their ballots, and must vote in the constituencies where they are registered. However, while Commonwealth citizens have the right to vote and to be legislators, the Constitution bars from membership in Parliament anyone, other than Commonwealth citizens, who “is by virtue of his own act, under acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state”. This regulation has been an issue of hot debate for decades, causing parliamentarians on both sides of the political aisle to be ejected from the legislature, and to renounce their foreign citizenship to enter or remain in the House. Most recently, the controversy has impacted Mr Golding, his shadow finance minister, Julian Robinson, and government minister, Matthew Samuda, who renounced their British citizenship. Based on the constitutional provisions, given that Britain is a Commonwealth country, they weren’t legally required to do so. While the matter is a sporadic political hot button issue, its substance hasn’t been subjected to in-depth debate, including of any risks related to people with dual or multiple nationalities being legislators, and the potential for such a person to become the leader of the country. Primarily, the focus has been on the fact that nearly as many Jamaicans, or people of Jamaican heritage who strongly identify with the island, live abroad as there are on the island. Those in favour of expanding voting/representational rights to this group usually point to the economic support they provide to the island, including the more than US$3.3 billion, or over 19 per cent of GDP, they send home annually. In her article, Dr Vasciannie, who teaches international relations at The University of the West Indies, Mona, highlighted a range of obstacles and hurdles that would have to be cleared if Jamaica were to give its overseas citizens the vote. She came down, at least in the short term, in favour of maintaining the status quo. “Until the costs are calculated and weighed against the advantages, it is best to keep the current institutional and organic linkages with the diaspora in place, without introducing overseas voting at this time,” she wrote. It is not clear, however, whether in the decade since he made his pronouncement after an overseas trip, Prime Minister Holness still believes France’s representation arrangement for its overseas citizens remains appropriate for Jamaica. The French allocate 11 overseas constituencies, based on geographic location, to the national assembly. Each elects a single candidate, meaning that 1.9 per cent of the assembly’s deputies are directly elected by French nationals who live abroad. Additionally, French overseas citizens have 12 representatives in the indirectly elected Senate. Closer to home in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic’s 2015 constitution allows for seven seats in the Chamber of Deputies which are directly elected by Dominicans living abroad. These issues are worthy of serious discussion and debate during the campaign for the general election to be held this year, setting them up for deeper deliberations by a recalibrated, post-election CRC. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 17 - MAY 17, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 Diaspora vote question Surrounded by love! Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson beams with pride as he cuts his PanAfricanist-themed birthday cake, joined by grandchildren from L- Andrew Hibbert, Gabrielle Patterson-Buchanan, and Breanna Hibbert. JANET SILVERA PHOTOS JN Money opens first branch in Orlando MEMBERS OF the diaspora looking to invest, do business, or purchase property in Jamaica are invited to share in two networking events. Hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, in collaboration with the Jamaica Stock Exchange, the Invest in Jamaica & Housing forums are billed to feature presentations, panels, and networking opportunities across three key areas: Investing in Jamaica, Doing Business in Jamaica, and Housing in Jamaica. A release notes that persons will learn how to grow wealth while contributing to Jamaica’s development by investing through the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Hear from registered brokerage houses and financial institutions about getting started and the opportunities that exist for diaspora investors. Hear directly from agencies such as Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), Companies Office of Jamaica, the Registrar General’s Department, and legal service providers on how to start or expand your business in Jamaica. Meet with housing developers, mortgage providers, and real estate agents to explore options for home-ownership and investment in Jamaican real estate. These events are designed to provide direct access to experts, service providers, and partners travelling from Jamaica. Network with others in the diaspora who are passionate about building Jamaica’s future. PHILADELPHIA Date: Tuesday, May 6 Venue: The Pyramid Club 1735 Market St, Philadelphia, PA Time: 3:30 pm – 8pm NEW YORK Date: Thursday, May 8 Venue: Resorts World New York City 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY Time: 10am – 8 p.m. Consulate to host forum on investment, housing EDITORIAL / EDITORIAL
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