Jamaican journalist praised for chronicling diaspora’s bond with Jamaica

Senator Johnson Smith said she was deeply appreciative of Angus’s inspirational poem, Out Of Many, One Global Family: The Diaspora Rise, which celebrates the strength of Jamaica’s relationship with its global diaspora. 

“I am so deeply appreciative of this thoughtful tribute to Jamaica’s Diaspora. It captures in a distinctly Jamaican voice the strength of the connection between home and our global family. I am so impressed by Mr. Angus’s work in this regard and I look forward to sharing its message at my upcoming Diaspora engagements,” the minister said. She was speaking at her Downtown, Kingston offices on September 3, where Angus presented her with a commemorative plaque featuring his literary work.

Written in engaging rhyming couplets and enriched with authentic Jamaican expressions, Out Of Many, One Global Family: The Diaspora Rise portrays the Jamaican Diaspora as an integral part of the nation’s continuing story. The poem highlights the invaluable contributions of millions of Jamaicans living overseas through remittances, investments, philanthropy, tourism, professional expertise and cultural influence, while underscoring their enduring love and commitment to Jamaica.

The literary work also recognises the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council in strengthening relationships between Jamaica and its overseas community. It highlights the importance of diplomacy, visionary leadership, youth engagement and international collaboration in transforming connections across borders into meaningful partnerships that contribute to the country’s economic, social and cultural development.

Angus said the diaspora should not be viewed simply as Jamaicans who reside overseas, but as an extension of the Jamaican nation. “The Jamaican Diaspora is not simply a community living overseas, it is an extension of Jamaica herself,” he said. According to the journalist, the diaspora continues to help build Jamaica through its financial contributions, investments, philanthropy, tourism, professional knowledge and cultural influence. 

He said these contributions, coupled with an enduring love for country, inspired him to create the work. Angus said he also wanted the poem to demonstrate the power of literature to preserve important national stories and communicate them to future generations. “I believe there is an immense power in literature to capture, preserve and communicate profound truths,” he said, adding that he wanted to create a work that could “stand, be displayed, be remembered, and speak powerfully to generations about what the Diaspora means to Jamaica.” He said the work is also a tribute to the MFAFT, the GJDC and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council for their role in strengthening Jamaica’s relationships with its global family.

The poem forms part of Angus’ growing body of literary and visual works, which he has developed using digital design and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted creative tools. His portfolio includes poems celebrating Jamaica’s beauty and heritage, tributes to state agencies, reflections on all 14 parishes and their capitals, and works honouring national icons. 

His writing also explores international figures and themes of justice, human dignity and opposition to oppression, including a tribute to Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for her advocacy of climate justice and the Palestinian cause. He has also chronicled significant moments in Jamaica’s history, including the 2015 visit of United States President Barack Obama, the 1966 state visit of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the 1991 visit of Nelson Mandela. Angus said the body of work demonstrates how literature can educate, inspire, preserve historical memory and foster national pride while remaining relevant in the digital age.