Rubio, Holness discuss hurricane recovery, regional security and travel

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Saturday held what officials described as a productive telephone conversation focused on post-hurricane recovery efforts, regional security, and broader U.S.–Jamaica cooperation.

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According to a readout from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio discussed ongoing U.S. assistance to Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed Washington’s support for the island’s recovery and reconstruction. The call also addressed shared regional priorities.

In a separate statement, Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Rubio commended the Jamaican government for its management of hurricane relief and recovery efforts, noting the rapid restoration of critical services after the island was struck by a Category 5 hurricane.

Prime Minister Holness expressed appreciation to the U.S. government and people for their continued support throughout the relief and early recovery phase. The two leaders also discussed the scale and complexity of the reconstruction effort ahead, including the need for more resilient infrastructure to support economic activity. Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ willingness to support Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience efforts through continued cooperation and partnership, including private sector involvement.

Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Rubio thanked Holness for his leadership and described Jamaica as a strong and reliable regional security partner. He also congratulated the prime minister on Jamaica’s significant reduction in crime in 2025, while underscoring shared concerns about drug and firearms trafficking, narco-terrorists, and transnational organized crime, and the importance of continued collaboration.

The OPM said Holness outlined the government’s comprehensive security strategy and highlighted Jamaica’s participation in the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti as part of its regional security role.

Holness also welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to upgrade Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, noting that the move reflects sustained improvements in public safety and security. He emphasized the importance of the upgrade for tourism, investor confidence, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close engagement as Jamaica and the United States continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership, focusing on shared democratic values, security cooperation, economic development, energy, immigration, and regional stability.