Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Saturday held a productive telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which they discussed ongoing cooperation between Jamaica and the United States, including US assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and broader regional economic and security priorities, according to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

READ: Holness and Rubio discuss hurricane recovery, ‘shared regional priorities’ – US Embassy

In a statement, the OPM said Secretary Rubio commended the Government of Jamaica’s management of the hurricane relief and recovery efforts, and recognised the rapid restoration of critical services across affected communities after a Category 5 impact.

It said Holness expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the United States for their continued support throughout the relief and early recovery phase.

They also discussed the magnitude and complexity of the reconstruction effort ahead, including the need to build more robust infrastructure to support economic activity. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ willingness to support Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience efforts through continued cooperation and partnership, including private sector participation, the OPM stated.

It noted that Holness also welcomed the recent decision by the US Department of State to once more upgrade Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, noting that this positive development reflects the country’s sustained improvements in public safety and security. He underscored the importance of this upgrade for tourism, investor confidence, and people-to-people exchanges between both nations, the OPM stated.

READ: US reduces travel advisory for Jamaica to Level 2

According to the OPM, the discussion also focused on Jamaica’s significant reduction in crime in 2025, with Holness outlining the Government’s comprehensive security strategy. Both reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating drugs and firearms trafficking, transnational organized crime, and emerging regional security threats, the OPM stated.

It said Jamaica’s participation in the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti was highlighted and Prime Minister Holness reiterated Jamaica’s role as a strong and reliable regional partner and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the United States on security, energy and economic development, and immigration matters.

Both Holness and Rubio agreed to maintain close engagement as Jamaica and the United States continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership in pursuit of shared democratic values and mutual prosperity, the OPM stated.