Ambassador Marks Calls on USAID to Increase Support to Jamaica

Ambassador to the United States (US), Audrey Marks, is calling for increased support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for critical projects, particularly in addressing crime.

She noted that Jamaica’s project support has been reduced to US$60 million for the period 2020-2025 from US$123.4 million for 2013-2020.

“We have made tremendous progress but we still need a strong and well-funded collaboration to complete initiatives such as Plan Secure Jamaica, which is currently the major bilateral project with the State Department.

“The implementation of this project will streamline the many initiatives already being undertaken by the US in Jamaica with a focus on countering organised crime and illicit trafficking, strengthening energy security, creating jobs through increased trade and investment, and building resilience to climate change,” she noted.

Ambassador Marks said, “USAID is uniquely positioned to support the implementation of this initiative, and we look forward to working with the agency on this.”

She was addressing the swearing-in ceremony for the new USAID Country Representative for Jamaica, Dr. Jay Singh, held on August 3 at the organisation’s headquarters in Washington DC.

Ambassador Marks welcomed the new USAID representative.

She pointed out that this year, Jamaica is celebrating 61 years of partnership with the US and “through the involvement and support of its many agencies, with the USAID at the forefront, we have completed many projects that are propelling our socio-economic growth and have impacted many lives in Jamaica”.

She said that the Government “deeply appreciated” the long-standing relationship with the USAID, which has had “a positive impact on many lives in Jamaica”.

Dr. Singh, in his remarks, said he remained steadfast and resolute in supporting the partnership between Jamaica and the USAID.

“I am convinced that USAID can do more for Jamaica and I’m committed to find the money, where I can, to bolster existing projects and introduce new ones, as Jamaica has been through a lot and needs our support,” he pledged.

Deputy Administrator for the USAID, Paloma Adams-Allen, who, like the Ambassador, hails from St. Mary, said that for more than 60 years, the USAID has partnered with Jamaica to move education, health, economic development, and prosperity forward.

“Today, our efforts are to address crime and violence, strengthen the health system and bolster Jamaica’s defences against the climate crisis. However, most importantly, the foundation that we have built together over the years is strong,” she noted.

She said the social-intervention programmes introduced are helping a new generation of Jamaican youth to build livelihoods and stimulate the local economy.