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Trump Reaffirms Robust US-Jamaica Ties as New Ambassador Presents Credentials

The enduring diplomatic and economic ties between Jamaica and the United States were in sharp focus during a White House ceremony where President Donald Trump welcomed Jamaica’s newly appointed Ambassador to Washington, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson.

The official ceremony, held in the Oval Office on July 24, saw Anderson present his Letters of Credence, marking a significant moment in the more than six-decade-long relationship between the two nations.

President Trump spoke warmly of the partnership, describing it as one “built on a foundation of deep ties” that spans trade, investment, and security cooperation. “It signifies more than 60 years of friendship between our nations and our enduring commitment to progress,” he stated.

Trump reaffirmed America’s commitment to working with Jamaica on mutual priorities, particularly in combating transnational crime and enhancing regional security. He cited ongoing collaboration through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and joint efforts related to Haiti as key examples of shared goals.

The President also emphasized the mutual interest in boosting economic prosperity, highlighting trade and investment as crucial pillars of the relationship. “Mr. Ambassador, I look forward to working with you to deepen the bonds between our countries,” he said, offering a warm welcome to Anderson.

In response, Ambassador Anderson conveyed greetings from the Jamaican Government and outlined areas of opportunity for expanded cooperation, especially in sectors such as energy, tourism, and health. “We see tremendous scope to increase U.S. investment in Jamaica and deepen trade partnerships,” he noted.

Anderson highlighted the historical and cultural ties between both nations, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration in key sectors. “Our bilateral and multilateral engagements continue to deliver mutual benefits, particularly in areas such as security and energy,” he said.

He also stressed that the United States remains Jamaica’s primary trading partner and a key source of tourist arrivals, a relationship bolstered by high-level exchanges such as the recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That visit, according to Anderson, reinforced the strong diplomatic foundation and the spirit of partnership.

The credential ceremony marked not only a formal step in Anderson’s diplomatic mission but also a renewed commitment from both nations to strengthen their alliance. “Jamaica deeply values our longstanding security cooperation with the United States, which continues to enhance our national and regional stability,” Anderson affirmed.

With shared interests in economic growth, regional security, and people-to-people ties, the US-Jamaica relationship appears poised for continued expansion in the years ahead.