Press Release From The PNP - October 26, 2026
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| Senator Donna Scott-Mottley |
Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, has expressed grave concern over Jamaica’s decision to abstain from today’s United Nations General Assembly vote calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.
Senator Scott-Mottley said the decision represents a significant departure from Jamaica’s longstanding position on an issue on which successive administrations have maintained a consistent and principled stance. “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 Spokesperson noted the apparent inconsistency between Jamaica’s abstention at the United Nations and the proceedings in the House of Representatives only yesterday, when a motion concerning Cuba, brought by the Government’s own Minister of State, 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 twenty-four 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.
She emphasised that Jamaica’s relationship with Cuba has been characterised by decades of friendship, mutual respect and meaningful cooperation, particularly in health and education. She said 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 on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade 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.
Editor's Note
I understand Mrs Mottley's point, but this UN vote is a waste of time and achieves nothing. Problems exist on both sides, not just on the US side but also on Cuba's.
Neither the UN nor any other country should try to change another country's foreign policy, even when such policy is wrong. Diplomatic intervention is the best way to deal with such matters involving a sovereign state.
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Over the years voting has not had any.impact so nothing is amiss if another strategy is tried "abstention".
ReplyDeleteJamaica has to tread lightly since we cannot infuriate Trump because if America pulls our economic lifeline plug "dawg name wi suppa an dawg.eat dawg criminality tek ova".
Mottley for economic maneuvering let her talk their exchang rate is
2 to 1$US
Ja is 160 to 1$US driving wicked inflation and impoverishment our.people.The worst currency in the Caribbean. Worse than
Haiti 30-1 or Cuba 20 to1 can you believe that .
Mi heart bleeds fi us the Jamaican people
Barbados per Capita GDP is.about US$29000 Jamaica the 2nd poorest in the Caribbean is at US$8000 we have to think before we vote and anger Trump/USA.
Watch this:
90% of our exports go to USA 80% of tourists and remittances Jamaicas lifeline comes from USA.
In all.of this Jamaica imports from China spending most of the money acquired via USA with China.
Jamaica lucky as if I were the President of the USA "dat haffi stop" or significantly scaled down.
Call it what you may Imperialism,Hegemonic behaviour go ahead you choose.
in 2025 Jamaica exported about US$1.6 billion.
Imported US$7.6 billion ,we in trouble.
An abstention at the UN regarding Cubanis the least of our troubles.