While conceding that Jamaica should remain on a United States drug trafficking blacklist, police chief Lucius Thomas declared that the nation had made significant progress in curbing the illicit trade.

The police commissioner said that he had not seen the list of 20 countries which was published on Monday but referenced the United States' own International Control Strategy Report, published in March, which commended Jamaica for its efforts. That report singled out Jamaica's cooperation with U.S. law enforcement agencies as 'excellent'.

"We have removed a significant number of the key players from the system," Thomas insisted in reference to the recent arrests and trials of several powerful dons.

In a statement yesterday, a spokesman from the U.S. Embassy was complimentary of Jamaican efforts, noting that crime and drug trafficking had decreased.

"The Government of Jamaica continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to tackle all facets of the drug trade in and through Jamaica. The Jamaican Government is publicly committed to combating illegal drugs and other drug-related criminal activity," he said.

Blacklisted countries

The list of drug-producing or drug-transit nations remained unchanged from a year ago. It includes Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela.

While Jamaica was named in the memorandum issued by U.S. President George Bush, it was, however, not listed as one of those countries, namely, Burma and Venezuela, which had 'failed demonstrably' to tackle drug trafficking. This definition means that under U.S. law, certain aid will be withheld.