KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), David Cameron, says he is impressed by the work of successive Jamaican Governments to tackle crime, corruption and international criminal links.

“I’m determined to support you every step of the way. Britain has been working hand in hand with Jamaica on counter-narcotics. And we will continue to do so. The fight against drug traffickers and violent criminals is a relentless one.  It is a fight that the UK and Jamaica do well together, and of which we can both be proud,” he said.

Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament at Gordon House today, the prime minister also noted that Jamaica, the UK and the Caribbean face a common threat of corruption.

Cameron said that the UK will be hosting a major summit to tackle this issue in London.

“If we’re to beat corruption, we need transparency. I’ve taken the lead by pledging much more transparency over property and company ownership in the UK, so that terrorists, the tax evaders, the money launderers and the criminals have nowhere to hide their ill-gotten gains,” the prime minister emphasised.

He added that some of the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories have been making progress in this direction, “while others, frankly, are not moving anywhere near fast enough.”

Meanwhile, Cameron announced that Britain’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance, will be boosting its support for the Caribbean region.