Prime Minister Holness Welcomes U.S. Upgrade of Jamaica’s Travel Advisory to Level 2
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness on Thursday (May 29) welcomed the decision by the government of the United States to improve its travel advisory on Jamaica.
The upgrade US government lifted the advisory on travel to Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2.
Prime Minister Holness has described the move as “significant and encouraging,” and one that reflects the country’s consistent progress in national security and diplomatic engagement.
Speaking during a special Post-Cabinet Press Briefing held at Jamaica House, this afternoon, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the advisory upgrade was “not incidental,” but rather the result of sustained national effort.
“This is significant for Jamaica, and it is indeed an encouraging development, one that reflects the hard work and commitment and discipline that this administration has brought to bear in matters of national security and foreign affairs.”
The Prime Minister noted that the improved rating sends a strong message to the global community that Jamaica is becoming a safer and more secure destination, not only for international visitors but also for Jamaicans at home and abroad.
“It is the direct result of years of targeted policy implementation, investments in security infrastructure, and sustained diplomatic engagement,” said the Prime Minister. “It signals to the international community that Jamaica is safer and a more secure destination, not only for visitors but for residents, for citizens.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the remarkable reduction in Jamaica’s murder rate, attributing it to the government’s unprecedented investment in national security.
Since 2016, the Government of Jamaica has invested over $87 Billion in security, including modernizing the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), strengthening the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and equipping the Jamaica Customs Agency with advanced technology.
“In other words, we are 43 per cent fewer murderers today than we were last year, and if we analyse this, then we would have a murder rate of 24.3 per 100,000, so we have literally popped the murder rate in half.”
The last time Jamaica’s murder rate was at its current low was in 1991, nearly 35 years ago.
Prime Minister Holness credits this achievement to “intentional and disciplined governance.”
Dr. Holness reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continue investing in national security, foreign affairs, and public safety, creating a Jamaica that is safer, stronger, and more attractive to investors, tourists, and citizens alike.