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President Obama with Jamaica PM Portia Simpson Miller in Jamaica in April.

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. Aug. 6, 2015: As Jamaica celebrates its 53rd anniversary of independence from Britain today, the United States Government has insisted that it “remains a steadfast partner and friend.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in a statement on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, extended “warmest congratulations to the people of Jamaica.”

The salute comes on the heels of President Obama’s visit to Jamaica earlier this year, which Kerry said “generated great momentum in our joint efforts promoting youth entrepreneurship, economic growth, and energy security, and combating transnational crime through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.”

He added that in the coming year, the US will also sponsor a Dialogue between Democracies in the coming year, a series of public and academic events to advance and deepen vital bilateral relations.