Targeting crime remains a top priority for US/ Jamaica relationship.

This is part of the US goal to safeguard that country, and its citizens.

The United States embassy in Jamaica has adopted its new list of priorities for the US/ Jamaica relationship, which were released today (Aug 2).

According to the US Embassy protecting its citizens includes working with the Jamaican government to interdict and dismantle transnational threat networks.

The embassy says most of the individual priorities are not new, but the entire list has been reviewed, to ensure a proper focus on the issues of greatest importance to Jamaica and the United States.

Acting counsellor for public affairs at the US Embassy Sri Kulkarni explains that tackling crime and its root causes remain key.

He says some of the priorities under the last ambassador were achieved including bringing over a billion dollars in foreign direct investment to Jamaica.

Other key goals are increasing trade and boosting US Jamaica economic ties including facilitating legitimate Jamaican travel to the US.

Another priority is to support Jamaica on global issues and develop the US Jamaican partnership on a global scale including fostering human rights and the rights of LGBTI individuals and combating gender -based violence and trafficking in persons.