Gov't pushes back at PNP claim Jamaica failed to show solidarity with Palestine at UN General Assembly

Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, has pushed back at the Opposition People's National Party's criticism of the Government's absence from a United Nations General Assembly vote, arguing that "to decry our non participation in a performative action shows the image focused and in substantive approach of the PNP to foreign policy".

Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, the Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs, had accused the Government in a media release Tuesday morning of failing to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people following Jamaica’s absence from the vote on whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should be allowed to address the Assembly remotely after being denied a United States visa.

One hundred and forty-five countries voted in favour; five voted against, and six abstained. Jamaica, based on United Nations records, was one of 34 countries that did not participate in the vote.

However, Johnson Smith said the Opposition has failed to acknowledge all the Dr Andrew Holness-led administration has done in relation to Palestine, including the actual recognition of the State of Palestine last year.

"It is a matter of prominent public record that the Dr Holness-led Government of Jamaica took the decision to recognise the State of Palestine following deliberations of Cabinet in April 2024. At that time, I stated unequivocally that 'Jamaica continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable option to resolve the long-standing conflict, guarantee the security of Israel and uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinians. By recognising the State of Palestine, Jamaica strengthens its advocacy towards a peaceful solution.'

"I also affirmed that the decision was aligned with Jamaica’s strong commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which seek to engender mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among states, as well as the recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination," Johnson Smith said.

She said it was disingenuous to suggest that the Government of Jamaica has been "silent" on issues affecting the Middle East, including Palestine, pointing out that Holness spoke on the matter during the UN General Assembly where he stated that Jamaica is deeply horrified by the devastating humanitarian consequences of the counteroffensive in Palestinian Territories.

He also stated that a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict is only possible through diplomacy and dialogue, and that Jamaica continues to support United Nation Security Council Resolution 242, and the call for a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of all remaining hostages and definitively ending the protracted war.

"Mrs Scott Mottley and the PNP do themselves and these complex issues a disservice when they suggest the Government of Jamaica has failed to speak strongly on the issue. It is unfortunate that the PNP has continued their pre-General Election trend of trying to create their own narratives even when the facts clearly do not support their unequivocally false statements. Clearly they have not learnt one of the lessons sent to them by the people of Jamaica on on September 3, 2025, regarding their preference for truth, moderation and reason, " Johnson Smith added.

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