Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SouthCom), is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica this week for a two-day official visit focused on bolstering defense and security cooperation between the two nations.
This will be Admiral Holsey’s first visit to Jamaica since taking the helm at SouthCom in November 2023. According to a statement released Thursday by the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, the visit will feature a series of high-level engagements with Jamaica’s defense leadership, including Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
“This marks Admiral Holsey’s first visit to Jamaica since assuming command of SouthCom last November and is an opportunity to further strengthen our security cooperation with a top ally in the Caribbean,” the embassy noted. “The admiral’s visit comes on the heels of Secretary Marco Rubio’s productive visit in March, and his agenda includes meetings with Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman and other key leaders of the Jamaica Defence Force.”
The discussions are expected to focus on reaffirming the robust military partnership between Jamaica and the U.S., while tackling shared security challenges such as transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking—issues that continue to affect stability in the Caribbean region.
The U.S. Southern Command emphasized Jamaica’s leadership in professional military and security education in the region, noting the country’s longstanding collaboration with U.S. defense forces. “The two nations enjoy a historic friendship and strategic partnership… based on trust and mutual interest,” the statement read, highlighting the enduring bond and strong people-to-people connections, including a vibrant Jamaican-American community.
In addition to Jamaica, Admiral Holsey will also visit Trinidad and Tobago during his Caribbean tour this week, further underscoring the U.S. commitment to regional security partnerships.
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