JAMAICA: 2005 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM

UNCLAS KINGSTON 002730 SIPDIS S/CT RHONDA SHORE AND ED SALAZAR, STATE PASS TO NCTC, WHA/CAR (BENT),INL/LP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC KCRM SNAR JM SUBJECT: JAMAICA: 2005 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM REF: SECSTATE 193439 ¶1. As requested reftel, Embassy Kingston's 2005 annual terrorism report for Jamaica follows in paragraph 2. Post point of contact is Natasha M. Henderson (HendersonNM@state.gov). -------------- General Assessment -------------- ¶2. There are strong public and private statements of support against terrorism by the GOJ. There has been no evidence of support for international terrorism. The GOJ expeditiously responds to terrorism finance requests by disseminating information to all of its banking organizations. In response to 9/11, the GOJ created a Counter-Terrorism Action Committee whose major mandate is to coordinate all counter-terrorism activities within the GOJ. The Embassy is unaware of any local support for international terrorism. -------------- Sanctuary Assessment -------------- ¶3. To the best of Embassy and local officials' knowledge, Jamaica does not serve as a terrorist sanctuary. -------------- Terrorist Groups -------------- ¶4. No known terrorist groups are active in Jamaica. -------------- Foreign Government Cooperation -------------- ¶5. The U.S. has not sought cooperation in Jamaica for the investigation and prosecution of any acts of terrorism. The GOJ fully complies with all terrorism finance requests. At every opportunity, the GOJ reaffirms its commitment to combat international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In 2005, the GOJ passed the Terrorism Prevention Bill which will effectively implement Jamaica's obligations under UNSCR ¶1373. -------------- Concerns -------------- ¶6. Due to its location, Jamaica is a major transshipment point for narcotics. In addition, because of a lack of resources, Jamaica's air and seaports remain vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist organizations. Jamaica recognizes that it must beef up its security in preparation of the 2007 World Cricket Cup (WCC). Again, due to a lack of resources and a reluctance to admit publicly any real vulnerability due to a negative impact on its tourist trade, Jamaica has been slow in achieving real progress in preparation of the WCC. The GOJ's limited resources also make it reliant on foreign aid to build significant capacity in most security sectors. JOHNSON