More information about Jamaica is available on the Jamaica Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-JAMAICA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Jamaica in 1962 following its independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Jamaica maintain close and productive relations. The two countries enjoy a close friendship based on trust and mutual interest, strengthened by people-to-people ties and a vibrant Jamaican-American community. The United States and Jamaica collaborate within the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to foster a safer and more secure environment and increased prosperity and stability for both countries. They work together to promote sustainable economic development, including through the Caribbean IdEA Marketplace. This is a business competition that connects local entrepreneurs with members of the Caribbean diaspora, with the goal of forming new partnerships that will create jobs and economic opportunities in the region.
U.S. Assistance to Jamaica
The United States seeks to strengthen its partnership with Jamaica by providing assistance to address key social issues that contribute to high levels of violent crime and transnational criminal activity. Priority goals include reducing corruption; promoting greater transparency and good governance; fostering Jamaican participation in regional security efforts; strengthening basic education; and increasing adaptation to climate change. Regional HIV/AIDS and security programs complement U.S. assistance.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States is Jamaica's most important trading partner. Jamaica seeks to attract U.S. investment and generally supports efforts to liberalize trade. The country is a beneficiary of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partner Act, and it has an investment treaty and a double taxation agreement with the United States. More than 80 U.S. firms have operations in the country. Jamaica is a popular destination for American tourists.
Jamaica's Membership in International Organizations
Jamaica and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica is Pamela E. Bridgewater; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Jamaica maintains an embassy in the United States at 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202-452-0660).
More information about Jamaica is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Jamaica Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Jamaica Page
U.S. Embassy: Jamaica
USAID Jamaica Page
History of U.S. Relations With Jamaica
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information
