No Evidence of Jamaicans Joining Terrorists Groups

The Ministry of National Security has become aware of a reported statement made to the United States Senate Armed Services Committee by General John Kelly, Commander of the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOMM).  The report listed Jamaica as one of several countries in the Region from which recruits have departed for Syria. The Ministry has been monitoring the emerging situation with respect to the recruiting efforts of Terrorists Groups and there is no information of any Jamaican being so involved.

Jamaica enjoys high levels of cooperation with the United States of America on security matters. To date, we have not received any information to indicate that Jamaicans have departed our shores to join terrorists groups. Consequently, the Government of Jamaica has initiated dialogue with our United States counterparts in order to ascertain the source of the reported claim and the extent of any potential concerns that may require our intervention.

The fact is that, the actual prepared text of the speech delivered by General Kelly did not name Jamaica, and as such it is possible that the reported comment may be the result of a misunderstanding.  As soon as that situation has been clarified an update will be provided.