Jamaica and the United States have increased collaboration in the area of national security under a partnership of several law enforcement agencies in what has been named the Fusion Centre.

Under the partnership, which was launched on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, United States law enforcement agencies will provide resources, expertise, and information to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigations Branch, National Intelligence Bureau, Financial Investigations Division and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, maximising their ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to transnational criminal activity.

The partnership will also serve to support the Jamaican Government’s comprehensive plan to defend the country against criminal threats or vulnerabilities.

Gary Barksdale, chief postal inspector of the United States Postal Inspection Service, visited Jamaica for the launch, reinforcing US Government support for tackling transnational crime, including the scourge of lottery scamming.

At the reception marking the launch, US Ambassador to Jamaica N Nick Perry applauded the effort, noting “we at US Embassy Kingston, and I’m sure all our Jamaican partners, welcome this collaborative spirit and applaud the vision of merging the different agencies into a Fusion Centre”.

Also in attendance were Dr Horace Chang, deputy prime minister and minister of national security, and Major General Antony Anderson, commissioner of police.