Protesters demand Caribbean break ties with Israel over Gaza

WESTERN BUREAU

With placards raised and voices firm, protesters staged a peaceful but resolute demonstration outside the Montego Bay Convention Centre yesterday, urging Caribbean leaders to break diplomatic ties with Israel over what they described as an ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The protest came just hours before the official opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, where regional prime ministers and foreign ministers are gathering for high-level talks on regional integration, security, and global diplomacy.

However, for members of the Palestinian Solidarity Action Group in Jamaica and international delegates from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the summit presents a crucial opportunity to demand moral leadership from the Caribbean in the face of what they describe as one of the greatest humanitarian atrocities of modern times.

"We are here to ask CARICOM to cut all diplomatic ties with Israel," said Howard Simpson, one of the local organisers.

"We want to see an end to the genocide in Gaza and the war crimes being committed against the Palestinian people."

Simpson confirmed that letters outlining these demands had already been sent to the Jamaica's Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, the country's minister of foreign affairs.

“We haven’t spoken to them directly yet, but the letters have been submitted and are also available to the public,” he said.

Among the international voices was Maren Mantovani, a member of the International Secretariat of the Palestinian BDS National Committee, who flew into Jamaica to join the protest and issue a pointed challenge to CARICOM leaders.

“We’re witnessing a live-streamed genocide: children, women, the elderly being slaughtered while the world watches,” Mantovani declared passionately.

“Ninety per cent of Gaza’s infrastructure is gone. All hospitals have been bombed. Food aid has become a death trap. This is a genocide of heinous cruelty, and we are calling on CARICOM to stop being complicit.”

Mantovani said Caribbean nations—many of which benefited from global solidarity during their own struggles for sovereignty and equality, have a responsibility to stand with the oppressed.

“Just as CARICOM stood up against apartheid in South Africa, now is the time to do the same against Israeli apartheid.”

The demonstrators outlined three clear demands to Caribbean leaders.

First, halt military shipments under Caribbean flags.

“Much of the arms headed to Israel are transported under Caribbean shipping flags. This must end immediately,” said Mantovani. She pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s directive banning such shipments as a model for the rest of the region.

Second, end visa-free travel for Israeli citizens.

“It is unacceptable that Israeli soldiers—some of whom may be involved in war crimes—can vacation in the Caribbean while Palestinians are being bombed,” she said.

“Our shores cannot be safe havens for genocidaires.”

Third, sever diplomatic ties and join global sanctions.

Mantovani also urged CARICOM states to attend an upcoming international summit in Colombia, where countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe will discuss coordinated sanctions on Israel.

“The Caribbean voice is missing from that conversation. We are calling on CARICOM to stand on the right side of history.”

The protest, though peaceful, was marked by powerful chants, banners, and impassioned speeches that drew the attention of media and delegates arriving at the summit venue.

“This is not just a Palestinian issue—it’s a human issue,” one protester told The Gleaner. “If we say we stand for justice and human rights, we must act when it matters most.”

editorial@gleanerjm.com