The Jamaica government is denying suggestions that it was being silent on the ongoing war in the Gaza with Kingston reiterating its call for peace on that region.
‘Jamaica has never been in hiding on this issue. We have condemned actions on both sides, called for a ceasefire, and remain firm in our belief that dialogue and engagement, rather than performance, are the most constructive tools of diplomacy,’ Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith told a post Cabinet news conference.
Johnson Smith said that in 2024 Jamaica formally recognised the State of Palestine, in line with United Nations Resolution 242, which calls for a two-State solution.
The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP), earlier this week said ‘Jamaica’s silence sends the wrong signal to the international community and to the Palestinian people who continue to suffer’.
The party’s spokesperson on foreign, regional and diaspora affairs, Donna Scott Mottley said the Andrew Holness government had not spoken forcefully enough on the conflict, particularly when compared with countries whe their leaders addressed the opening of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) including walking out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address.
But Johnson Smith told reporters that such actions, while they may grab headlines, they do little to advance meaningful solutions.
‘Jamaica is not a chest-beating administration. We are not ego-driven or image-based. Our focus is on solutions. So we called for the things which we believe are important, as we have continued to, and not being present would not have advanced or harmed a position in any way, so I cannot explain anymore beyond what I have already stated.
‘We’re not judging countries who choose to act in this way, we’re not criticising them, that’s their choice, but the reason Jamaica, or one of the reasons that Jamaica is always a respected voice, is because of our willingness to always engage,’ she added.
Johnson Smith also made reference to the position adopted by the regional integration grouping, CARICOM, noting that the 15-member grouping had issued repeated statements at various levels urging peace and advocating for the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
In addition, she said Jamaica’s approach was consistent with its history of supporting international law and multilateralism.
‘We have always backed Resolution 242, which outlines the framework for a two-state solution,’ she said, adding that this remained the ‘safest path’ to ensuring long-term security and peace for both peoples.
‘I encourage individuals who are passionate about these issues to look back at the consistency of our positions. If we are indeed to combat a global crisis of truth, then we must ensure we do not replicate the same issues at home,’ she said, on an apparent reference to the statement by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who warned the UNGA of a growing global distrust in information and institutions.
Johnson Smith said that Jamaicans should take those words seriously by ensuring their debates are informed and responsible.
‘We prefer to listen, to be at the table, to engage, whether we agree or disagree. That is how we maintain credibility as a nation and ensure that our voice carries weight in international affairs,’ she said.