KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says the strategic diplomacy deployed by the Holness administration, in an increasingly unpredictable geo-political environment, has safeguarded the people of Jamaica from the potential damaging consequences of unnecessary conflict.

Senator Fitz-Henley, who is chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Communication Taskforce and state minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, made the comment while speaking with the media at a function at the AC Hotel in St Andrew on Tuesday.

“The truth is the approach by the Holness-led Government, which has been very ably represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith over the past decade, is one which has preserved Jamaica’s best interest while at the same time abiding by principle and maintaining good relations with our regional and international partners,” Fitz-Henley said. “I do not believe that any suggestion may be credibly made that the approach of this administration has not been smart, nuanced and pragmatic. The approach has served Jamaica well.”

The Government’s decision to end a long-standing medical-care arrangement with Cuba, while citing its lack of compatibility with Jamaican law and amidst international concerns about human trafficking, has placed the spotlight on the approach of the Government to diplomacy.

READ: Cuban authorities never responded – Gov’t

Some critics have accused the Government of bowing to international pressure and abandoning close regional partners which has come to Jamaica’s assistance over the years.

However, Senator Fitz-Henley is disputing that assessment.

“By electing after negotiations broke down not to renew the agreement which had expired, it is clear that the Government of Jamaica has demonstrated a willingness to ensure that our various agreements conform with Jamaican law and international labour best practices. The decision has also displayed a clear appreciation of the dynamic geo-political environment in which we operate and a willingness to take decisions which ensure that the interest of the people of Jamaica is preserved over the medium to long term,” he said.

The senator says he has observed commentary in the public domain, including on social media, which he says draws a baseless comparison between the approach of the current Government and the former People’s National Party (PNP) administration.

“I have taken note of reference in the social media space to the ill-fated bravado displayed by former Prime Minister Michael Manley in the 1970s, a stance which even by Manley and the PNP’s admission, resulted in dire consequences and extended suffering for the people of Jamaica. It is important that the Holness administration continues along the responsible path of avoiding confrontation which destroys the socio-economic dreams and aspirations of our people.

“The strategic, nuanced and pragmatic diplomacy, which has been the hallmark of the Jamaica Labour Party Government, is worthy of commendation and study,” he added.

Fitz-Henley says he is confident that history and future generations will judge kindly the approach taken by the Jamaica Labour Party administration to diplomacy “in an increasingly challenging geo-political environment”.

He is further encouraging Jamaicans to support the pragmatism displayed, which has so far upheld principle and also skilfully avoided unnecessary confrontation, which could have brought hardship to our people and severely imperilled Jamaica’s economic prospects.