Opposition raises concern over Jamaica’s abstention on Cuba embargo vote at UN

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is demanding answers from the Government after Jamaica abstained from a United Nations vote calling for an end to the United States' decades-long economic blockade against Cuba, describing the move as a matter of grave concern.

In a release this afternoon, Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs Donna Scott-Mottley described the decision as a significant departure from the country’s longstanding position, maintained across several administrations.

“For decades, Jamaica has joined the overwhelming majority of the international community in calling for an end to the embargo against Cuba. That position has transcended changes of administration and has reflected our commitment to sovereignty, self-determination and the right of nations to pursue their development free from external coercion. It is therefore deeply concerning that Jamaica should now depart from that position without any explanation to the Jamaican people,” she said.

The Opposition also pointed out the clear divergence between today’s decision and a motion concerning Cuba that was brought by East Central St Catherine Member of Parliament Alando Terrelonge, who is also the State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Parliament yesterday, which was passed without objection.

“It is difficult to reconcile the position taken in our Parliament yesterday with the decision made at the United Nations today. What has changed in the space of 24 hours? If the Government has determined that Jamaica’s position on this matter should change, then it has a responsibility to explain the basis for that decision. Foreign policy cannot be conducted in a manner that leaves the Jamaican people uncertain about where their country stands,” Senator Scott-Mottley stated.

According to her, the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and respect for international law remain especially important to small states such as Jamaica.

“Jamaica is a small state, but we have never regarded that as a reason to surrender our independent voice in international affairs. Indeed, it is precisely because we are a small state that the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and respect for international law must remain central to our foreign policy,” she said.

Senator Scott-Mottley called for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, to provide an immediate explanation of Jamaica’s abstention and clarify whether it signals a change in the Government’s policy towards Cuba.

“The Jamaican people are entitled to know whether this decision reflects a considered change in national policy and, if so, what circumstances have brought it about. Our international positions must be guided by principle, consistency and the national interest,” she concluded.

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