Australia established diplomatic relations with Jamaica in January 1974. Australia and Jamaica cooperate in various international fora including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Jamaica is also a member of the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank, and it plays an active role in CARICOM.
In September 2008, Australia provided A$1 million in relief to the Caribbean to help the victims of Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike; A$300,000 was directed to relief efforts in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Australia’s assistance was provided through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for relief supplies, temporary shelter, health services and other emergency relief activities.
Bilateral economic and trade relationship
Trade between Australia and Jamaica is modest, with the balance heavily in Australia’s favour. In 2009-10, two-way merchandise trade between Australia and Jamaica amounted to around A$20 million. Australian exports to Jamaica in 2009-10 totalled around A$20 million (increasing from A$5 million in 1995) and mainly consisted of meat. Australian imports from Jamaica during this period amounted to around A$1million and were mainly alcoholic beverages. For the latest economic data, please refer to the Jamaica fact sheet [PDF 41 KB].
The Australia’s High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago is accredited to fourteen Caribbean states including Jamaica. The Head of Mission is also Plenipotentiary Representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago has general reporting and consular responsibilities for Jamaica. However, in 2012 the Australia Government has established a permanent diplomatic mission in Kingston, and Jamaican businesswoman Marjorie Kennedy, has been appointed Honorary Consul of Australia.