Jamaica failed to show solidarity with Palestine at UN assembly - PNP

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is criticising the Government for what it describes as a failure to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people during key moments at the United Nations General Assembly.

Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs, in a statement this morning, highlighted Jamaica’s absence from the vote on whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should be allowed to address the Assembly remotely after being denied a United States visa.

One hundred and forty-five countries voted in favour; five voted against, and six abstained.

Jamaica, based on United Nations records, was one of 34 countries that did not vote — neither yea, nay, nor abstain.

Belize, a vocal critic of Israel over Gaza, was the only other CARICOM member that did not cast a ballot.

Scott-Mottley also pointed to the Jamaican Government’s decision not to join other nations in walking out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address — a symbolic protest against Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza.

“Jamaica has always been respected internationally for standing firmly on matters of justice and human rights,” Scott-Mottley said.

“To be absent from the vote and to remain seated while others registered protest is a clear departure from that proud tradition. Our silence sends the wrong signal to the international community and to the Palestinian people, who continue to suffer,” she argued.

Jamaica officially recognised Palestine as a state in April last year, with Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith at the time signalling Jamaica’s support for a two-state solution, which she noted to be the only viable option to resolve the long-standing conflict, guarantee the security of Israel, and uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinians.

Addressing criticisms about not walking out during Netanyahu’s address, Johnson Smith, in an interview with Nationwide News, said that is not how Jamaica practises diplomacy, stating that the country has never walked out on any delegation.

She said the country believes in engagement and dialogue.

Last week, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, in his address at the UN Assembly, spoke out against the conflict in Gaza and called for a ceasefire.

He said a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict is only possible through diplomacy and dialogue.

However, the opposition spokesperson has taken issue with the stance of the Foreign Affairs Minister.

Scott-Mottley argued that Jamaica’s record has been one of principle and moral leadership, from opposing apartheid South Africa to advocating for small states.

“The Government’s passivity weakens Jamaica’s moral voice and undermines our legacy of courage,” she said.

“The PNP reaffirms our commitment to a foreign policy guided by justice, human dignity, and respect for international law.”

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