High Ranking US Officials set for trip to Jamaica and Belize

The US Department of State has announced that high-ranking officials, including Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will be visiting Jamaica and Belize from the 19th of February to the 23rd of February.

This visit has been planned to allow for bilateral talks that aim to promote regional cooperation in terms of civilian security, migration, and human rights.

The State Department also issued a statement regarding Uzra Zeya’s visit to Jamaica, saying that it will, “underscore the strength of the US-Jamaica partnership and meet with senior government officials to enhance our cooperation in civilian security and law enforcement, human rights, and rule of law.”

Zeya will also be responsible for coordinating with regional partners to bolster the Haiti Multinational Security Support mission, which is of great significance to the State Department and the United States’ interests in the region.

Another important aspect of the visit is that the Under Secretary is expected to grace the opening of a Child-Friendly Space, which is the result of the US-Jamaica Child Protection Compact Partnership, “which provides safety and support to children who are victims or witnesses of crime.”

The State Department added that “She will explore with educators and youth opportunities to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to prevent youth violence.

While in Belize, Zeya is scheduled to have interactions with senior officials placed within the government, important personalities within the civil society, and human rights advocates to discuss bilateral and regional security as both sides look to, “to strengthen safe, orderly and humane migration management, address human trafficking, counter discrimination, and protect fundamental freedoms of vulnerable groups.”

Such coordinated efforts are of great significance to the region as it looks to build the right associations, that have the ability to facilitate the growth, progress, and security of citizens, especially those that have been disenfranchised in some way, shape, or form.