THE United States’ top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has announced major plans to help improve the security situation in Jamaica.

Since the start of this year Jamaica has recorded a 34 per cent decline in murders compared to the corresponding period last year, with a 19 per cent decline in all major crimes, which Rubio noted and described as impressive.

But with the fear of crime remaining high across the island, Rubio emerged from bilateral talks with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness in Kingston on Wednesday to announce that the US wants to do more to assist in the fight against crime.

According to Rubio, it is acknowledged that many of the guns used to commit crimes in Jamaica are purchased in the US and shipped here.

“We want to commit to doing more to stopping that flow at the same time as we commit to increasing the capacity [of Jamaica].

“What we are talking about here when we talk about American assistance is America helping Jamaica build its own capacity, its own ability to confront these challenges and solve these problems, because security is a baseline for everything,” said Rubio.

The secretary of state also announced that the Joint Operations Linked to Telemarketing (JOLT) Fusion Centre — a collaborative effort between US and Jamaican law enforcement agencies which tackles lottery scamming and cybercrime — will be strengthened.

“We can announce synthetics detection equipment for Jamaica’s forensic labs, a counter-gang recruitment programme that we seek to launch as a result of our visit here today. And I will announce something that I think is very important — software for law enforcement [agencies] here in Jamaica to combat gangs. Things like night vision goggles technology, and we look to do more,” declared Rubio after earlier saying that the US is committed to strengthening ties with Jamaica, one of Washington’s most steadfast partners in the Caribbean.

“The ties between the people of the United States and Jamaica don’t need to be explained — they’re incredibly strong,” added Rubio.

In welcoming Rubio to Jamaica, Holness said the two countries have long been united by a common commitment to freedom, prosperity, and security, “and your visit today reaffirms that bond”.

According to Holness, the discussion with Rubio was productive, constructive, and focused on strengthening the partnership between the two countries while expanding opportunities for collaboration.

On the vexing security issue Holness said, “We reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crime, ensuring the collective safety of our citizens and mutually secured borders.

“We discussed a global war on gangs and there is already significant policy alignment with both countries in this regard.”

The prime minister added, “The United States has been instrumental in supporting Jamaica’s efforts to bolster its marine domain awareness and intelligence surveillance capacities, which are crucial in our fight against organised criminal networks.”

Holness also said the talks covered expanding and repurposing development assistance towards both countries’ shared goals, including security.

“This will exponentially expand our cooperation in fighting lottery scammers, transnational organised crime, trafficking in guns, and building safer communities. We are committed to ensuring our partnership delivers results in driving down criminality and trafficking in this hemisphere,” said Holness.