Jamaica was among 25 countries that abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the United States’ longstanding economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, according to a voting board circulated Wednesday, October 28.
The resolution received 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions, according to the final voting results.
Jamaica’s abstention is particularly noteworthy given the island’s geographical proximity to Cuba, its longstanding diplomatic relationship with Havana and the historical connections between the two Caribbean nations.
It is the first time Jamaica has abstained from the annual vote.
Jamaica is one of Cuba’s closest Caribbean neighbours, with approximately 150 kilometres separating the two islands at their nearest points. Cuba lies directly north of Jamaica.
The vote comes amid continuing international debate over the U.S. embargo, which has been in place for more than six decades.
Supporters of lifting the embargo argue that the restrictions have harmed Cuba’s economy and complicated access to international trade, financial services and essential goods. The United States has historically defended its sanctions as a means of applying pressure on the Cuban government over human rights, democratic freedoms and political reform.
Jamaica and Cuba established diplomatic relations in December 1972, alongside Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Since then, the two countries have maintained cooperation in areas including healthcare, education, sports and technical assistance.
The voting board also shows that several other countries abstained, including Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands.
The resolution is part of a longstanding annual United Nations General Assembly process examining the necessity of ending the American embargo against Cuba. Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, the votes provide a measure of international diplomatic positions on the issue.
The reasons for Jamaica’s abstention were not established by the voting board, and any explanation of the government’s position would require an official statement from Jamaican authorities.
