Jamaica rallies top diplomats for talks amid rising geopolitical tensions

Jamaica has convened a high-level meeting of its top diplomats and consular officials in Kingston this week, as the government moves to align foreign policy priorities in what it describes as an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Heads of diplomatic and consular missions are meeting with senior leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for a series of strategic consultations aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring Jamaica is positioned to respond to evolving geopolitical and economic shifts.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the gathering is intended to ensure Jamaica’s representatives abroad are aligned on advancing the country’s interests while preparing for developments in an unpredictable global landscape.

She noted that the week of strategic review and planning forms part of deliberate efforts by the government to better position Jamaica’s foreign policy for shifting economic and geopolitical realities.

The week-long sessions, scheduled to conclude on Friday, are being led by Johnson Smith, Minister of State Alando Terrelonge and Permanent Secretary Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith. The programme also includes engagements with several Cabinet ministers.

Last month, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness underscored the importance of caution and stability in navigating global uncertainty, saying he prays daily for Jamaica as the country charts its course through what he described as “changing times” and “uncharted waters”.

Speaking at Jamaica’s National Day of Prayer on January 7, Holness said his responsibility as head of government is to safeguard the nation and avoid unnecessary risks.

“My role as steward of the nation is to keep Jamaica safe, not to steer into waters for which we don’t have to go … not to invite problems on ourselves when we have our own problems to deal with,” he said.

The prime minister stressed that a cautious approach should not be interpreted as a retreat from Jamaica’s principles or global responsibilities, noting that the country has consistently been a strong voice for small developing states and will continue to play that role.

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He added that Jamaica’s positions on international issues are longstanding and carefully considered, and that observers need only review the country’s diplomatic record to understand its stance.

The diplomatic consultations come amid heightened international attention on geopolitical shifts in CARICOM and across the wider Americas, including recent developments in Venezuela and broader realignments in global power dynamics.

Johnson Smith said the meetings will allow heads of mission to brief the ministry on major developments in their respective regions while strengthening coordination on advancing Jamaica’s international priorities.

She pointed to the effectiveness of this collaborative model during crises, citing the response to Hurricane Melissa, when Jamaica’s overseas missions coordinated assistance from more than 30 countries, including medical teams, field hospitals and tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian and medical supplies.

The minister also highlighted the role of Jamaica’s diplomatic network in strengthening the country’s global standing, including efforts that led to Jamaica’s removal from the European Union’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing deficiencies — a development that has reduced barriers for Jamaican businesses and investors.

Among those attending the meeting are Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Antony Anderson, and Consul General to the southern United States, Oliver Mair, who described the sessions as productive in a social media post, noting it was an honour to serve as part of the ministry’s team.