PM Holness and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agree to maintain close engagement, as Jamaica and US strengthen longstanding partnership

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio have agreed to maintain close engagement, as Jamaica and the US continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership, in pursuit of shared democratic values and mutual prosperity.

The agreement was made during what has been described as a productive telephone conversation, yesterday.

During the conversation they discussed ongoing cooperation between both countries, including U.S. assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as well as broader regional, economic and security priorities.

According to a Statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, Secretary Rubio commended the Government’s management of the hurricane relief and recovery efforts and recognized the rapid restoration of critical services across affected communities following a category five impact.

The statement said Prime Minister Holness expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the United States for their continued support throughout the relief and early recovery phase.

It added that Dr. Holness and Secretary Rubio also discussed the magnitude and complexity of the reconstruction effort ahead, including the need to build more robust infrastructure to support economic activity.

Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ willingness to support Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience efforts through continued cooperation and partnership, including private sector participation.

Dr. Holness also welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to once again upgrade Jamaica’s travel advisory from level three to level two.

He noted, that this positive development reflects the country’s sustained improvements in public safety and security.

The prime minister also underscored the importance of the upgrade for tourism, investor confidence and people-to-people exchanges between both nations.

Additionally, the discussion was focused on Jamaica’s significant reduction in crime in 2025, with Dr. Holness outlining the Government’s comprehensive security strategy.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating drug and firearms trafficking, transnational organized crime and emerging regional security threats.