Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness recently visited South Florida to engage with the Jamaican diaspora and discuss key developments following his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During his visit, Holness addressed topics such as the U.S. travel advisory for Jamaica, immigration concerns, and the nation’s economic progress.
Addressing U.S. Travel Advisory Concerns
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Holness met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the U.S. travel advisory that had previously cautioned Americans against visiting Jamaica due to high crime rates. Holness highlighted the adverse effects of the advisory on Jamaica’s tourism sector and national image. Rubio acknowledged Jamaica’s efforts in reducing crime and committed to reassessing the travel advisory to ensure it accurately reflects the current situation. He noted, “We pledged…to go back and reevaluate the travel advisories…to ensure that they do reflect the reality of the new numbers and what the numbers show.”
Immigration and the Jamaican Diaspora
Addressing the concerns of Jamaicans in the U.S. amid the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies, Holness reassured the diaspora of their homeland’s support. He emphasized that every Jamaican has a home to return to and underscored the importance of adhering to U.S. laws. Holness stated, “We respect the sovereignty, authority, and will of the United States in ensuring that their rules are followed for persons that migrate here.”
Economic Progress and Crime Reduction
Holness also highlighted Jamaica’s economic advancements and strides in crime reduction. He noted the significant decrease in the national debt from 140% to 68% of GDP and praised the reduction in unemployment rates. Additionally, Holness pointed out that February 2025 recorded the lowest monthly murder rate in 25 years, reflecting the nation’s commitment to improving safety and security.
Engaging with the Diaspora in South Florida
To foster direct communication with the Jamaican community in South Florida, Holness hosted a town hall meeting titled “An Evening with the Prime Minister” in Miramar. This event provided a platform for diaspora members to engage with Holness, discuss pertinent issues, and gain insights into Jamaica’s developments and plans. Prime Minister Holness’s visit to South Florida and his discussions with U.S. officials underscore the ongoing efforts to strengthen Jamaica-U.S. relations, address diaspora concerns, and promote Jamaica’s progress on the international stage.
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