US Ambassador to Jamaica nominee pledges to reduce China’s economic influence, advance US economic interests, tackle transnational crime and more

Reducing China’s economic influence on the Caribbean is one of four major objectives Kari Lake intends to tackle if she is confirmed as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica.

Lake, who is U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for the post, revealed her intentions while delivering her opening statement at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing in the U.S. yesterday.

According to Lake, thwarting the East Asian country’s growing influence is critical, as it poses severe security risks.

She argued that China’s economic investments in the region are not purely about money, but also strategic, since the U.S. is in close proximity.

Lake pledged to advance U.S. economic interests if confirmed in the role.

She also committed to strengthening security cooperation between the U.S. and Jamaica by combating financial scams and gang-related activities.

Noting that protecting Jamaica is a top priority, Lake said, if confirmed, she will help strengthen the island’s response to hurricanes and other natural disasters.