Guyana Abstains as United Nations Votes to Lift Cuba Embargo

Guyana, under the Irfaan Ali administration, has abstained from a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the United States’ decades-old economic embargo against Cuba, breaking with its longstanding position and raising questions about Washington’s growing influence over Georgetown’s foreign policy.

The resolution, considered on Thursday, October 29, secured 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions, reflecting a significant decline in international support compared with previous years. Guyana joined Jamaica and Haiti among the Caribbean countries abstaining, while Trinidad and Tobago voted against the resolution alongside the United States.

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The vote comes amid heightened US pressure on Cuba and countries maintaining cooperation with Havana, including its overseas medical programmes. For Guyana, the decision is particularly striking given the decades of assistance Cuba has provided in healthcare, education and professional training.