Jamaica Deepens US Security Ties While Broadening Global Partnerships

• Jamaica’s foreign policy remains anchored by its longstanding relationship with the United States, even as the government continues to broaden ties with China, regional partners and other international counterparts.
• Deep economic links with the U.S. span tourism, remittances and trade, while security cooperation has strengthened following the August 2026 signing of a Status of Forces Agreement. The agreement establishes the legal framework for U.S. military personnel and activities in Jamaica. It reinforces the countries’ longstanding security partnership and signals closer cooperation on defence and regional security.
• In a January 2026 call, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to sustained cooperation. Discussions covered hurricane recovery assistance, U.S. support for reconstruction, Jamaica’s progress in reducing crime, the country’s role in anti-gang operations in Haiti and the upgrade of the U.S. travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2 – a positive development for Jamaica’s storm-affected tourism sector.
• At the same time, China remains an important infrastructure and trade partner. Chinese investment continues to support Jamaica’s infrastructure ambitions, while rising imports of machinery and other capital goods point to a deeper trade relationship. This balancing act extends beyond the two major powers, with the Holness administration also strengthening ties across the Caribbean and with other global partners.
• Jamaica has also entered regional agreements designed to improve security cooperation and economic integration. These include the Alliance for Security, Justice and Development, an Inter-American Development Bank-backed initiative involving 18 Latin American markets to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime. In July 2025, Jamaica also signed an agreement with Barbados, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica to permit the free movement of Caribbean nationals under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
• Overall, Jamaica’s approach points to continuity rather than a major foreign-policy shift. The country is likely to preserve its close U.S. relationship while continuing to welcome Chinese investment and deepen regional partnerships, giving it more room to pursue economic opportunities across multiple fronts.

(Source: BMI, A Fitch Solutions Company)