and agriculture ; and faith-based . My primary role is to garner the perspectives , the knowledge transfer , the intellectual capital from the Northeast Diaspora , and partner with Jamaica on development issues .
The knowledge transfer is not only in one direction ; but rather both directions , so we also learn from Jamaica to inform these strategic areas . My laser focus now is to continue targeted support to affected Jamaicans who live in the Northeast in light of the ongoing pandemic . The different sectors in the Northeast Think Tank have had successes as we continue to provide critical support to the business owners and many individuals via needed resources , information , and technical assistance to remain empowered as a community and able to take action .
TBWM : How do you affect and implement decisions and policies to benefit the extensive Diaspora that filters directly into the community and those who must benefit ? Do you solicit feedback from the community ? Or , is there a group that meets and makes the decisions ? How do you ensure that you serve a specific need and make sure it has value ? Dr . Dunkley : Excellent question . We have implemented a think tank . In leadership , it is vital to build teams ( on the ground ) which I did once I was elected . So , when we heard about Covid-19 , we thought it would have been a 6-week thing . It has been more than a year , and now it is a ' covid era .' I am responsible for 14 states , and the Northeast United States has the highest number of Jamaicans who live outside of Jamaica . The Northeast also has the most resourceful Jamaicans in terms of affluence , and the largest voting block of Jamaicans live in New York City . The Northeast itself is a fascinating mix of Jamaican people in the Diaspora . Knowing this , I assigned a state chair or lead within each state with boots on the ground to understand what is happening .
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