Assessments so far have revealed that approximately 54 million US dollars was allocated to USAID-funded programmes in Jamaica across several budget periods.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in light of the global freeze on assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The US government has ordered a 90-day pause to all foreign aid pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.

Mr. Holness said Jamaica has been preparing itself to be financially independent.

Speaking on the matter recently, the Prime Minister stated that Jamaica is assessing the potential fallout on funding.

While acknowledging that the US has the sovereign right to withdraw aid, Jamaica has been preparing itself by building the economy and embracing the philosophical outlook of becoming economically independent.

He was speaking at the recent handing over of a housing unit in Porters Mountain, Westmoreland.