Although Jamaica has a stable parliamentary democracy and is a middle-income developing country, the government of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson faces several significant challenges. These include a violent crime wave fueled by gangs and drug trafficking; high external debt, estimated at 135% of gross domestic product, that could constrain the government’s social expenditures; and an adult HIV/AIDS infection rate of over 1%. This report discusses U.S. relations with Jamaica, which are close and characterized by significant economic linkages and cooperation on such bilateral issues as anti-drug trafficking measures, hurricane reconstruction support, and efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic.

Video footage promoting ASHE: the Caribbean performing arts ensemble of Jamaica. The video shows cultural dancing, tribal wear, and music under a narration providing descriptive details of each section and group. The tape was provided by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in regards to the Dance with the Carribeans event hosted by the Dallas and Fort Worth West Indian Community.