Jamaicans in the Diaspora are being encouraged to invest in Jamaica’s expanding private real estate market, with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness arguing that their homeownership can help stimulate economic growth while creating opportunities for more affordable housing for locals through the National Housing Trust (NHT).

Holness, who was addressing delegates at the opening of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, St James on Tuesday, said members of the Diaspora should view property ownership in Jamaica as both a personal investment and a contribution to national development.

"The housing market in Jamaica is expanding, and it is expanding rapidly, particularly in the private sector," said Holness in making his pitch to attendees at the conference, which is being held under the theme, ‘Empowering Jamaicans in the Diaspora: Towards Re-Building a Climate-Resilient Jamaica’.