Jamaica Breaks With Decades of Support by Abstaining on Cuba Embargo Vote

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has rejected P.J. Patterson’s claim that Jamaica breached Parliament by abstaining on a UN vote to end the US embargo on Cuba. She said Parliament did not bind the government to vote a certain way, and argued Jamaica should consider a broader approach to help Cubans after decades of failed annual resolutions.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith defended Jamaica’s abstention from a UN vote condemning the US embargo on Cuba, saying the Government still opposes the embargo but believes a broader approach is needed. She rejected former Prime Minister PJ Patterson’s claim that the move was a “betrayal,” saying Jamaica explained its position and did not violate Parliament.

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson condemned Jamaica’s abstention on the UN vote against the US embargo on Cuba, calling it a “betrayal” and a break from more than 30 years of pro-Cuba policy. He said the move ignored Parliament’s position and damaged Jamaica’s reputation for defending sovereignty and international law.

Floyd Green rejected Phillip Paulwell’s claim that the Opposition was misled over the House motion on Cuba, saying it was read aloud, debated by both sides and passed without objection or amendment. He said no promise was made about its wording and argued the dispute reflects a policy disagreement, not deception.

Jamaica abstained on a UN vote calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, breaking with more than 30 years of supporting the resolution. The Opposition PNP said the decision was a sudden policy shift that was not explained to Jamaicans, while Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the abstention reflected a broader approach focused on Cuba’s humanitarian crisis and needed reforms.

The UN General Assembly again voted to call for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, but support fell to its lowest level in three decades, with 130 countries backing the resolution, 17 opposing and 25 abstaining. The debate was marked by sharp US-Cuba clashes over the embargo, fuel shortages and accusations of pressure on other governments.