By: Staff Writer
March 28, 2025
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jamaica on Wednesday, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship based on shared values and mutual interests.
Key discussions for Rudio’s visit included enhancing security cooperation, particularly in combating transnational crime and gangs, and expanding development assistance.
The U.S. pledged to support Jamaica’s efforts to stabilize Haiti and improve its marine domain awareness.
Trade relations, with the U.S. being Jamaica’s largest trading partner, were highlighted, along with potential investments in energy and logistics. Rubio also addressed the Cuban medical program, stressing the need for fair labor practices. The U.S. aims to realign foreign aid to align with foreign policy priorities.
Rubio also said: “The President (Donald Trump) is in the midst of realigning American global trade policy, primarily to reset global trade in a way that’s fair to the US after 20 or 30 years of what we believe is unfairness, not not when it comes to Jamaica, but broader. And from that will come real opportunities to create new alignments and new trade arrangements and new trade opportunities.”
Further highlighting investment opportunities, Rubio noted: “The United States is going to be producing a lot of liquefied natural gas, which is a very clean fuel that we have in abundance and that we seek to export… And so it’s one of those things that I think potentially, we could continue to partner along with other things, whether it’s mining opportunities off the seabed. In essence, to utilize all of the resources of the country in a responsible way that protects your environment, that protects your natural beauty, but at the same time, is generating income and opportunity of employment for the people.”
Andrew Holness, prime minister of Jamaica, also said: “Our nations have long been united by a common commitment to freedom, prosperity and security and your visit today reaffirms this bond.
“Today, we engaged in productive and constructive discussions focused on strengthening this partnership and expanding opportunities for collaboration. During our meeting, we addressed several critical areas of cooperation, security.
“One major area, we reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crime, ensuring the collective safety of our citizens and mutually secured borders. We discussed a global war on gangs, and there is already significant policy alignment with both countries.”