Kamala Harris, the vice president of the United States says the US will be providing funds to support the creation of a Cyber Centre of Excellence in Jamaica.

Harris made the disclosure on Twitter while stating that she had called Prime Minister Andrew Holness to congratulate Jamaica on its 60th anniversary of its independence.

Jamaica celebrated its Independence Day on August 6.

The Vice President informed Prime Minister Holness that the United States will provide $2 million in support of the creation of a Cyber Center of Excellence for the benefit of the region.

Harris said she and Holness also discussed the importance of greater investment in cybersecurity.

Harris and Holness welcomed the progress made on three short-term joint US-Caribbean committees that President Joe Biden and Harris launched in June to produce concrete, near-term solutions to urgently address food security, energy security, and finance challenges confronting the region.

“This call is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to elevate engagement with Caribbean leaders given our shared interests and common bonds. The Vice President met with Prime Minister Holness on March 30, where they discussed a range of issues including security, COVID recovery, and economic growth,” a statement from the White House read.

Harris also stated that the United States, as a neighbour in the Western Hemisphere, values its partnerships with Caribbean nations and is committed to addressing the region’s most pressing issues together.