The Parliamentary Opposition has taken note of public reports concerning the execution of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the Governments of Jamaica and the United States of America regarding security cooperation.

The Opposition acknowledges that an agreement of this nature involves important national security considerations and believes that the implications for Jamaica, as well as the safeguards in place to protect the country’s interests, should be clearly understood. Against this background, Opposition Spokesperson on National Security, Fitz A. Jackson, M.P., has written to the Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr Horace Chang, requesting a full briefing on the agreement at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Opposition is seeking, through the briefing, to ascertain the key provisions of the agreement, the safeguards established to protect Jamaica’s national interests and security, and other important factors arising from the agreement.

Mr Jackson has indicated that the Parliamentary Opposition will observe the customary parliamentary confidentiality applicable to matters of a sensitive security nature. “The Opposition recognises the sensitive nature of matters relating to national security. However, given the reported execution of this agreement, it is important that we are properly briefed on its provisions and the safeguards that have been established to protect Jamaica’s interests,” said Mr Jackson.

The Parliamentary Opposition looks forward to the requested briefing.