Jamaica and the United States have formalised a new security arrangement aimed at expanding military cooperation between the two countries, including joint operations, training and disaster response.

The Status of Forces Agreement was signed following discussions between United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, during the Americas Counter Cartels Coalition Forum in Panama earlier this month.

The agreement establishes rules governing the temporary presence of United States military personnel in Jamaica while they participate in mutually agreed activities. Jamaica is now among more than 120 countries that have similar agreements with Washington.

Officials said the pact builds on decades of security cooperation between the two countries. Since the establishment of the Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaican and United States personnel have taken part in joint training exercises, professional exchanges, humanitarian missions and disaster response activities.

The agreement also comes as both countries seek to strengthen regional efforts against organised crime and drug trafficking.

“This SOFA agreement is a message to the criminal organizations in the region, that the United States Armed Forces and JDF are committed to deepening and expanding their cooperation,” the joint statement said.

The statement specifically cited efforts against criminal organisations and narco terrorists involved in trafficking guns, drugs and people.

Under the agreement, the two governments will have what they described as a “modern and predictable framework” for cooperation in areas including regional security, defence and disaster response.

The pact is also intended to provide greater clarity when American military personnel are temporarily deployed to Jamaica for approved activities.

Jamaican and United States officials said the agreement reflects their shared interest in strengthening regional security while maintaining their longstanding partnership.

“Through this agreement, the United States and Jamaica reaffirm their commitment to a strong security partnership that advances peace through strength and the mutual interests of our countries,” the statement said.

The signing represents another step in the countries’ longstanding defence relationship and provides a formal framework for expanding cooperation as both governments confront organised crime, narcotics trafficking and regional emergencies.

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