News
| Jun 9, 2023

America pledges additional US$100 million aid plan for the Caribbean

/ Our Today

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Regional leaders gather for a photo op with US Vice President Kamala Harris at the US-Caribbean Summit held in Nassau, Bahamas on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Photo: Contributed)

The Biden Administration has pledged an additional US$100 million aid package for Caribbean countries to fight gun crimes and tackle climate resilience.

The development was shared with Caribbean leaders by US vice-president Kamala Harris during her meeting with them in Nassau, The Bahamas. During her meeting, Harris reiterated her country’s commitment to the peace and stability of the region on several fronts, including in the areas of climate change and disaster mitigation as well as security.

As the region, and Jamaica in particular, continues its advocacy for more significant support in combatting transnational crime and the flow of guns into our countries, resulting in increased instances of murder.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness seated alongside Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Drewi at the US-Caribbean Summit in Nassau, Bahamas on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Photo: Contributed)

As such, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed pleasure with Harris’ four-point aid announcement:

  1. The establishment of a coordinator for Caribbean firearms prosecution
  2. Support for a Caribbean gun crimes intelligence unit
  3. Support for a transnational criminal investigative unit
  4. Funding for regional climate resilience in light of our vulnerability to the devastating impacts of weather events.

VP Harris emphasised that security and prosperity of the region require cooperation and acknowledges that while there have been some achievements in the last two years, there is still more to be done.

(Photo: Contributed)

Yesterday’s meeting is an important follow-up on discussions previously had with Harris on matters crucial to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.

The United States is a critical bilateral partner and yesterday’s meeting is part of Biden Administration’s commitment to deepened relations with the Caribbean.

(Photo: Contributed)
(Photo: Contributed)
(Photo: Contributed)
Prime Minister Andrew Holness greeting Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Surinamese counterpart Chan Santokhi at the US-Caribbean Summit in Nassau, Bahamas on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Photo: Contributed)
Prime Minister, Andrew Holness engaging with his Bahamian counterpart, Philip Davis on the margin of the US/Caribbean Summit in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo: Contributed)

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