KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has been removed from the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
The European Parliament on Wednesday supported a recommendation from the European Commission for both Jamaica and Barbados to be removed from the list.
This follows last year’s removal of Jamaica from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said this marks a significant step forward for both countries and the wider region.
In a post on X, Holness said Jamaica had been actively advocating for such a decision, one which reflects the reality of the hard work the country has undertaken to strengthen its financial systems.
Holness said this is yet another demonstration of the strength of Jamaica’s partnership with the EU.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith also hailed the development.
She made comments as she delivered a special virtual address to the European Parliament, during which she expressed appreciation for the EU’s acknowledgement of the Jamaican government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
