‘No evidence of Jamaicans joining terrorists groups’ – Security Ministry

The Ministry of National Security has rejected claims that Jamaicans have gone to fight with Islamic extremists in Syria.

In a release yesterday, the ministry noted reports of a statement made to the United States Senate Armed Services Committee by General John Kelly, commander of the United States Southern Command.

The reports listed Jamaica as one of several countries in the region from which recruits have departed for Syria.

However, the ministry said it has been monitoring the emerging situation with respect to the recruiting efforts of terrorists groups and there is no information of any Jamaican being involved.

HIGH COOPERATION LEVEL

"Jamaica enjoys high levels of cooperation with the United States of America on security matters. To date, we have not received any information to indicate that Jamaicans have departed our shores to join terrorists groups," said the security ministry.

"Consequently, the Government of Jamaica has initiated dialogue with our United States counterparts, in order to ascertain the source of the reported claim and the extent of any potential concerns that may require our intervention," added the ministry.

"The fact is that, the actual prepared text of the speech delivered by General Kelly did not name Jamaica, and as such, it is possible that the reported comment may be the result of a misunderstanding. As soon as that situation has been clarified, an update will be provided."