Junior Chamber International Jamaica shines at 2025 Conference of the Americas

RECENTLY, A 12-member delegation of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Jamaica, led by 2025 national president, Reneil Clarke, represented the island at the 2025 JCI Conference of the Americas, held in Roatán, Honduras, where hundreds of emerging leaders from across North, Central, and South America converged.

“It showcased Jamaica’s excellence in leadership, innovation, and youth development, earning Jamaica multiple accolades and reinforcing the nation’s position as a powerhouse in youth leadership across the region,” JCI Jamaica says.

Members of the delegation were outstanding in several areas, including debating, in which they placed second in the debating championship. “Team Captain Marklon Bedward, alongside Miguel Edmondson and Davianne Brown, delivered compelling arguments and demonstrated sharp analytical thinking, teamwork, and persuasive delivery that captivated judges and fellow delegates alike,” JCI Jamaica says.

Michael Black proudly represented Jamaica in the public speaking competition, “exemplifying the power of communication and civic responsibility”, values at the core of the JCI movement. “JCI Portmore local president Jelani Kidd impressed judges with his visionary business acumen and entrepreneurial insight, earning a spot among the top four in the finals and “shining a spotlight on Jamaica’s culture of innovation”.

Dr Yochel Samuels-Williams, local president of JCI Hopewell, received an honorary mention for her outstanding leadership and contributions during the prestigious academy programme, while Dr Farin Williams, director of special projects for JCI Jamaica, was named ‘Most Outstanding Delegate of the JCI Training Series’, “a distinguished honour recognising exceptional impact, dedication, and engagement throughout the event”.

JCI Jamaica was also recognised for participating in the highest number of workshops and training sessions, “a testament to the team’s commitment to personal and professional growth”. It completed the signing of a ‘twinning document’, formalising the ongoing partnership between JCI Jamaica and JCI Suriname as they continue to agree to transfer knowledge and exchange culture.

LARGEST DELEGATION

Other members of the delegation were national boarder advisor, Shane Reid, local member Kaydian Smith, and Senator Odell D. Marsh, who currently serves as commissioner on the JCI American Development Council. This particular delegation is JCI Jamaica’s largest delegation to a JCI Conference since 2003. It is also the largest delegation to represent Jamaica since the organisation became a national organisation in 2012.

“This conference was not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to empowering young people and young leaders to lead meaningful change through effective training sessions, worthwhile conversations and purposeful relationships” said National President Reneil Clarke. “JCI Jamaica continues to inspire, serve, and excel at home and on the world stage.”

The 2025 JCI Conference of the Americas served as a vital platform for collaboration, competition, and solution-driven dialogue among young change-makers committed to building a better future. Internal support came from the senators of JCI Kingston, “who have remained distinguished in their support of JCI Jamaica and the empowerment of Jamaican youths”, and the JCI Portmore Roosters.

Junior Chamber International is a non-profit international, non-governmental organisation of young people between 18 and 40 years old. It has members in about 127 countries, and regional or national organisations in most of them. The first local Junior Chamber chapter was founded in 1915, but the international umbrella organisation, Junior Chamber International, was founded in Mexico in 1944.

“JCI hosts four conferences in each region and one world congress, held in a different location every year. These international events are the perfect opportunity to learn from global leaders and connect with individuals across industries. Our events also provide the backdrop to several exciting competitions in public speaking, debate and business development,” JCI says on its website.