Meeting Between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Introduction to the Talks

Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met yesterday for wide-ranging talks.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had serious talks yesterday about the growing problem of gangs and illegal guns in Jamaica.

The Issue of Gang Violence and Illegal Guns

Holness said the country is trying hard to bring down gang violence, but the flow of illegal guns—mostly coming from the United States—makes the job harder. He stressed that Jamaica is not just a victim but is actively fighting back with new laws and stronger policing.

Rubio agreed that Jamaica has taken strong steps and praised its recent anti-gang efforts. He said the U.S. is committed to helping Jamaica fight crime, especially when it comes to stopping the movement of guns from the U.S. into the Caribbean. He added that the U.S. wants to work more closely with regional governments to track, trace, and block gun shipments.

Causes and Effects of the Problem

Holness said most of the guns used in violent crimes in Jamaica are smuggled in from the United States.

He explained that Jamaican police have had some success in arresting gang members, but the gangs just get more guns. He asked the U.S. to do more to stop the flow at the source—not just through diplomacy, but by tightening laws and enforcement at U.S. ports.

Rubio said that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is already helping with gun tracing and promised that cooperation would increase. He said the U.S. understands how deadly these weapons can be once they reach criminal networks in Jamaica. He also said the U.S. Congress is discussing new ways to stop guns from being shipped illegally.

Need for Comprehensive Approach

Holness noted that Jamaican police are outnumbered and outgunned in many poor neighborhoods, where gangs have deep roots. He said these areas need not just police, but also schools, jobs, and support for families. He told Rubio that stopping the guns will save lives, especially among young people who get drawn into gang life because they feel trapped.

Commitment to Cooperation

Both leaders said they want to keep working together. Holness said this isn’t just a Jamaican problem—it affects the whole region. Rubio agreed, saying the U.S. will keep working with Caribbean countries to tackle gun smuggling and reduce violence. They both said that fewer guns and fewer gangs mean more peace and better futures.

Global Threat of Gang Violence

Prime Minister Holness said it was time to think of gang violence as a global threat, not just a local or national one. He called for what he described as a “global war on gangs,” explaining that organized crime now works across borders, moving guns, drugs, and even people.

He said the gangs in Jamaica are connected to criminal networks in other countries and need to be treated the same way the world treats terrorism or cybercrime.

Similar Efforts Globally

His remarks echo those of President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador who has classified a number of crime gangs as terrorists, along with the United States giving drug cartels in Mexico a similar classification. The assignment of the ‘terrorist’ label enables governments to use military action against gangs.

Secretary Rubio agreed and said that the line between gangs and terrorists is no longer clear. He pointed out that many of today’s most dangerous groups don’t represent governments—they act more like gangs.

Understanding the Shift

He cited the Houthi rebels in Yemen as one example, saying that although they have political goals, their tactics—like hijacking ships and attacking civilians—make them more like an international gang of pirates.

Rubio said that understanding this shift is key to making smart security decisions and building strong partnerships.

Conclusion

The meeting between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the need for cooperation in addressing the issue of gang violence and illegal guns in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. Both leaders acknowledged the complexity of the problem and the need for a comprehensive approach that involves not just law enforcement but also social and economic support. The recognition of gang violence as a global threat underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating this issue.

FAQs

Q: What was the main topic of discussion between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio?

A: The main topic of discussion was the growing problem of gangs and illegal guns in Jamaica.

Q: What is the primary source of illegal guns in Jamaica?

A: According to Prime Minister Holness, most of the guns used in violent crimes in Jamaica are smuggled in from the United States.

Q: What is the proposed solution to the problem of gang violence and illegal guns?

A: The proposed solution involves a comprehensive approach that includes law enforcement, social support, and economic development, as well as international cooperation to track, trace, and block gun shipments.

Source: US Department of State.