THE LAND OF Rt Hon MARCUS "MOSIAH" GARVEY

Jamaica's abstention on Cuba raises serious questions about our nation's principles, international solidarity and its responsibility to stand with oppressed peoples.

LONDON, 2 NOVEMBER 2026

We express our profound disappointment, anger and shame at the Jamaican Government's decision to abstain from the United Nations General Assembly vote calling for an end to the United States' economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.

For more than 30 years, successive Jamaican administrations, regardless of political affiliation, stood in solidarity with Cuba by supporting the annual UN resolution. On 28 October 2026, that longstanding position changed.

This was not simply another diplomatic decision. It was a moment that demands serious reflection about Jamaica's historical responsibilities, international relationships and the principles upon which our nation built its reputation.  

As Jamaicans and members of the wider Caribbean Diaspora living in London, we cannot overlook the significance of this decision. We are deeply troubled that the country of Marcus "Mosiah Garvey", a son of Afrika who championed Afrikan dignity, self-determination, economic independence and the liberation of oppressed peoples, has taken a position that has caused such widespread concern.  

WHAT HAPPENED TO JAMAICA'S PRINCIPLES?

Cuba has stood alongside Jamaica and other Caribbean nations for generations, particularly through healthcare, education, medical cooperation and technical assistance.  

Cuban medical professionals have served Jamaican communities, while Operation Miracle reportedly helped nearly 25,000 Jamaicans restore or improve their sight.  

These contributions must not be erased from our collective memory.  

Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has publicly condemned the Government's decision, describing it as an "abominable betrayal" and a "day of shame for the land of Marcus Garvey".  

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has defended the abstention, arguing that Jamaica remains opposed to the embargo and believes a broader approach is necessary to address Cuba's humanitarian and economic challenges.  

However, the question remains: why abandon a longstanding voting position when Cuba continues to face significant economic hardship and international pressure?  

A MESSAGE FROM LONDON TO JAMAICA

We must ask whether Jamaica is losing its historic voice on the international stage.  

Our ancestors fought colonialism, enslavement, racial oppression and economic exploitation.  

Jamaica's international standing was built upon the courage to challenge injustice, defend sovereignty and recognise the rights of smaller nations.  

Our history should not become a convenient reference point for speeches while our actions contradict the principles associated with our liberation.  

We are therefore calling for:  

1. A full and transparent explanation of the decision-making process behind Jamaica's abstention.  

2. Public accountability regarding the Government's departure from more than three decades of voting practice.  

3. Greater transparency about Jamaica's diplomatic relationships and international commitments.  

4. Renewed engagement with Cuba and the wider Caribbean to strengthen cooperation and solidarity.  

5. Meaningful consultation with the Jamaican people and Diaspora on decisions affecting our nation's international reputation.  

OUR HISTORY MUST MEAN SOMETHING.  

Jamaica is not merely a geographical location. It is a nation born out of resistance, resilience and the determination of a people who refused to remain oppressed.  

We cannot celebrate Marcus Garvey's legacy while failing to seriously examine whether our international actions uphold the values he championed.  

This is bigger than party politics. It concerns Jamaica's integrity, sovereignty and the legacy we leave for future generations.  

London to Jamaica: Our history demands accountability, our principles demand consistency, and our solidarity must never be conditional.  

The world is watching. History will remember.