US Stands in Support of Jamaica

The United States (US) Department of Justice has expressed its support for the Jamaican Government’s efforts to ensure public safety and combat drug trafficking against the background of the police/military operation in sections of West Kingston.
“As the Jamaican government seeks to uphold the rule of law, the United States stands in support of its efforts to ensure public safety and to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activity,” US Attorney General, Eric Holder told the inaugural Caribbean US Security Cooperation Dialogue in Washington, today (May 27).
He said that the current situation was a reminder to all of the importance of strengthening commitments to protect citizens from crime, violence, trafficking and terror.
Mr. Holder also commended the security forces for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the cause of justice.
“Today, we offer our condolences to the Jamaican people and we mourn the loss of the citizens and law enforcement officials, who have been killed in connection with recent attempts to apprehend Christopher Coke for extradition,” he added.
He said the Department of Justice was continuing to monitor the situation in Jamaica and informed that the issue was also a top priority for the Departments of State, Homeland Security and Defense.
Mr. Holder also made it clear that drug trafficking and organised crime was not an isolated problem, but was a serious threat to the entire Western Hemisphere, from the United States, to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
“None of us, alone, can ward off the violence. Criminals know no borders. They respect no flag. They embrace no rule of law but their own,” he declared.
Attorney General Holder has surmised that the greatest tool for combating organised crime was partnership and that the United States was proud to name Jamaica among its partners.