Prime Minister Andrew Holness is to make a statement on the developments in relation to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) later this week.

This, after the U.S. government ordered a 90-day pause to all foreign aid, pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.

There have been questions about the future of local civil society organizations and some government programmes funded by USAID.

Speaking at this morning’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said while USAID has been a long-time partner of Jamaica, the government must respect the sovereign rights of all nations.

She said this highlights the need for Jamaica to be economically independent.

She said this does not impact the good relationship between both countries and that it is possible that an opportunity may arise from the situation.