'UK supports Cuba, as Guyana backs down’

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana on Wednesday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly vote calling for an end to the decades-long United States economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, as the international community delivered a fresh rebuke to Washington over its sanctions against the Caribbean nation. Notably Trinidad and Tobago voted against the resolution, while the United Kingdom a closer ally to the United States voted yes, supporting the resolution. Lithuania, Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates broke from their historic position by voting against the resolution. Costa Rica, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Honduras and Chile, which have traditionally backed Cuba’s efforts, opposed the resolution or abstained.

The resolution was adopted on Wednesday with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against and 25 abstaining, reflecting overwhelming support for ending the embargo, despite a significant increase in opposition and abstentions compared with previous years.

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Guyana’s decision to abstain places it among the countries that declined to support the resolution, marking a notable diplomatic position on an issue that has long divided Washington and Havana. The vote comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba, with the administration of President Donald Trump intensifying pressure on the Cuban government.