Johnson Smith defends Cuba vote, rejects Patterson’s ‘betrayal’ claim

READ: ‘An Abominable Betrayal’: Patterson blasts Jamaica’s abstention on Cuba But in a statement to the Jamaica Observer on Sunday, acknowledging Patterson’s contribution to Jamaica’s foreign policy, Johnson Smith said his criticism was disappointing because it relied “heavily on emotions, mischaracterisations and conclusions that do not withstand scrutiny”. She insisted that Jamaica had not changed its opposition to the embargo and remained concerned about its impact on the Cuban people, while valuing the country’s longstanding friendship and cooperation with Cuba. Johnson Smith argued, however, that the Government had reassessed whether continued support for an annual resolution addressing only one aspect of Cuba’s circumstances was the most constructive approach.

“Mr Patterson's suggestion that an abstention amounts to support for the embargo, or silence in the face of Cuban suffering, is simply incorrect. The UN system offers three voting approaches which are quite distinct and not inter-changeable — for, against and abstention. Jamaica did not vote against the resolution. We abstained. We also were not silent. We formally explained our position immediately after the vote,” she said. “Our ambassador and permanent representative to the UN expressly acknowledged the contribution of external economic restrictions to Cuba's difficulties, while also recognising the domestic economic and structural challenges affecting the country. Jamaica called for reduced restrictions, constructive engagement and Cuba's greater integration into the international economic system,” she continued. “It is true that Jamaica could have voted in favour while expressing reservations. But an explanation of vote does not alter the position conveyed by the vote itself. Our decision reflected an…