Clinton’s Visit Sparks Skepticism as Jamaican Government Explores Partnership With Clinton Foundation
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Dec 5, 2025
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s arrival in Jamaica has triggered a wave of public debate, caution, and criticism as senior members of the Jamaican Government signal an interest in forming a partnership with the Clinton Foundation.
The visit—highlighted on social media by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange—showed Clinton meeting with Grange, Ambassador Adam Stewart, Minister Desmond McKenzie, Minister Matthew Samuda, and Minister Daryl Vaz. According to Grange, discussions centered on potential collaboration to support Jamaica’s ongoing recovery and long-term development efforts.
It was my pleasure to share the evening with Former U.S. President Bill Clinton at a private dinner hosted by Ambassador Adam Stewart, along with my colleague Minister Daryl Vaz. Earlier today, President Clinton was taken on an aerial tour to observe the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.
We remain deeply grateful for the tremendous support provided in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
We look forward to partnering with the Clinton Foundation~ Olivia Grange.
Government insiders described the meeting as “promising” and “constructive,” suggesting that Jamaica is exploring global philanthropic partnerships to strengthen its economic and disaster-resilience goals.
But while government officials spoke positively, the Jamaican public was not nearly as welcoming.
Almost instantly, skepticism flooded social media. Many Jamaicans expressed deep distrust toward the Clinton Foundation, recalling its controversial role in Haiti’s post-earthquake recovery.
One commenter wrote bluntly:
“So unnu naw guh tek sleep mark death? Did you see what the Clinton Foundation do to Haiti after the devastating earthquake?”
This single comment reflected a broader national sentiment: caution, suspicion, and a demand for transparency.
Much of the backlash stems from the long-standing controversies surrounding the Clinton Foundation’s involvement in Haiti after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Although billions of dollars were pledged for reconstruction, many Haitians say the results fell painfully short.
Among the most alarming allegations was the distribution of shoddy, toxic trailers to displaced earthquake survivors. The trailers—intended as temporary housing—were later found to contain dangerously high levels of formaldehyde, a chemical associated with respiratory illness, chronic irritation, and long-term health risks.
These revelations led to lawsuits in the United States, where groups accused relief contractors and associated organizations, including those connected to Clinton-led recovery networks, of negligence and exposing already-vulnerable Haitians to toxic conditions.
According to the BBC, during the 2016 election, Haitian protesters blamed the Clintons for a litany of problems in their home country.
“The Clinton family, they are crooks, they are thieves, they are liars,” said Haitian activist Dahoud Andre, who led protests outside the Clinton Foundation headquarters in Manhattan and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign base in Brooklyn for two years. None of the allegations were proven.
For many Jamaicans, Haiti stands as a cautionary tale of powerful institutions entering impoverished nations with big promises but questionable outcomes.
Some Jamaicans argue that the country should remain open to global partnerships—especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa—provided the arrangements include:
- strict accountability
- transparent financial structures
- measurable outcomes
- community consultation
Others, however, believe the government’s willingness to engage raises red flags, with some citizens insisting Jamaica must not repeat Haiti’s mistakes.
“What happened in Haiti is still fresh in the region’s memory,” one Kingston resident told Jamaica Live. “If we are partnering with anyone, especially a foreign foundation with that kind of track record, Jamaica must do so with eyes wide open.”
So far, the Government of Jamaica has not disclosed details of the discussions—no proposed projects, no financial commitments, and no expected outcomes have been announced. The meeting appears to be exploratory, but the optics alone have stirred a national debate that will not quiet anytime soon.
As Jamaica continues to rebuild after one of the most devastating hurricanes in its history, partnerships—foreign or local—will be closely scrutinized not just by policymakers, but by a vigilant and increasingly vocal public.
Bill Clinton’s presence may signal potential investment opportunities, but it also reopens old wounds from Haiti’s troubled past. Jamaicans are making it clear: if a partnership is to move forward, transparency, accountability, and public trust must come first.
Jamaica Live will continue to monitor developments as the story unfolds.