Energy security, goodwill top Obama agenda in Jamaica visit

KINGSTON, Jamaica - US President Barack Obama's visit to Jamaica is weighted with US self-interest as Caribbean nations seek to reduce their dependence on subsidized oil from economically struggling Venezuela.

Obama will hold meetings Thursday with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and with other leaders in the 15-member Caribbean Community, with energy security as one of the top issues on his agenda.

White House officials say the US sees significant energy needs in the Caribbean and is prepared to put US energy resources as well as energy infrastructure at their disposal.

From Jamaica, Obama will go to Panama for the Summit of the Americas on Friday and Saturday.

He is the first US president in more than three decades to visit Jamaica.