JAMAICA is reaffirming its commitment to a strong and enduring friendship with the United States of America, as that nation begins commemorations leading up to its 250th anniversary of independence.

Addressing the launch of the Freedom 250 initiative, marking the United States’ (US) journey towards its semi-quincentennial celebrations, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the bond between the two countries remained rooted in shared values and will continue to guide partnership in the future.

The event, hosted by the US Embassy in Jamaica, at Pollyanna Caterers in St Andrew on Friday, marked the official start of activities celebrating the historic milestone under the theme ‘A Legacy of Freedom, A Future of Friendship’.

“The story of American independence is indisputably inspirational, from the indomitable spirit of the founding fathers and their contemporaries to the remarkable declaration that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“I, therefore, also really find the theme most appropriate, and particularly as I reflect on Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio’s recent visits to Jamaica and to the wider region, as well as his personal reaffirmations of the friendship between our countries,” Johnson Smith said.

Johnson Smith underscored that Jamaica’s relationship with the US was formed through years of collaboration and mutual respect, which she said goes beyond politics and diplomacy.

“The strength and indeed the longevity of the US-Jamaica friendship is, of course, based on our shared values, including our mutual belief in and embrace of freedom, of persons, and of markets, and indeed of democracy. Our future undoubtedly also rests on this robust platform of partnership, and this partnership figures straight through here, not in the business sense, but in the real sense of respectful collaboration and cooperation,” said the minister.

Johnson Smith added that the milestone anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on history and past partnerships, but to also venture towards the future and finding new ways in which both countries can look to deepen collaboration.

“We, therefore, have this robust platform of partnership spanning many areas — health, energy, security, trade and investment, and not least of all, our extremely strong people-to-people ties. So today’s event is an excellent launch pad for Freedom 250, bringing together government, private sector, academia, and other stakeholders to really feel their way around how we explore even deeper partnerships,” she said.

Johnson Smith also pointed to the United States’ strong support to the nation after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, noting that it showed its commitment to partnership and the well-being of Jamaicans.

“I want to use this opportunity to reiterate Jamaica’s appreciation to the Government and people of the United States of America for the generous assistance provided in support of Jamaica’s recovery and reconstruction efforts following Melissa. The United States was one of our first responders to the devastation caused by the ordeal, delivering emergency supplies from as early as the day after and having engaged from before in preparatory actions.

“This was phenomenally helpful in our immediate steps for humanitarian relief, and, therefore, we can’t find enough ways to say thank you for that humanitarian aid and assistance, including the deployment of heavy-lift helicopters, personnel, technical expertise, and support for partner NGOs [non-governmental organisations] that helped to save lives and restore hope,” she said.

Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy, Scott Renner, also affirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Jamaica, particularly in times of crisis, referencing assistance provided following recent hurricane impacts. He also noted that collaboration with the private sector will be key to ongoing recovery and development efforts.

Renner highlighted that the commemoration is not just about history but also the evolution of democracy and the enduring relationships formed along the way.

“As we reflect on America’s journey, a journey that Jamaica and our friends join us in, and we look back, we’ll [also] be looking forward, confidently, as we continue writing the story of democracy and freedom that our founders bequeathed to us 250 years ago,” he said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith pledging Jamaica’s continued commitment to the long-standing friendship and partnership with the United States of America at the launch of the Freedom 250 event hosted by the US Embassy in Jamaica on Friday. (Karl Mclarty)