Jamaica: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Feb. 3, 2006 |
| Report Number |
RS22372 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Mark P. Sullivan, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
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%. U.S. relations with Jamaica 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. Overall U.S.
foreign aid to Jamaica amounted to about $41 million in FY2005 (with $18 million for hurricane
assistance) and an estimated $19 million in overall aid for FY2006. This report will not be updated.
For further information, see CRS Report RL32160 , Caribbean Region: Issues in U.S.
Relations , and
CRS Report RL32001 , AIDS in the Caribbean and Central America , both by Mark P.
Sullivan.
