Law enforcement officials in the United States say they’re placing a close watch on sections of the Caribbean out of concerns for a possible threat of terrorism.

In an interview with the USA-Today newspaper on January 26, Raymond Kelly, the New York Commissioner of Police said law enforcement officials have taken note of what he claims are feelings of hostility in the Caribbean and in particular Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr Kelly was responding to questions about areas around the world that are of concern to authorities in the US.

Other countries mentioned include South Africa, Algeria, Mali and Mauritania.

However, the National Security Minister Senator Dwight Nelson has brushed aside the concern, citing it as just the opinion of one individual.

When asked about the international perception of Jamaica as it regards terrorism, Senator Nelson said he’s not concerned by the expression of one foreign official.

The US authorities recently raised objections to the transit of Jamaican born Muslim Cleric Sheikh Abdullah el-Faisal through their country from Kenya.

The US government had said that it would bar any airline carrying El Faisal aboard from entering American air space.

The cleric was deported to Jamaica more than two weeks ago.

The national security minister says security officials are taking an interest in the activities of the controversial cleric.

El Faisal was placed on an international terror watch list following his release from prison in Britain in 2003.