The current situation with Cuba was brought forcibly to my attention not only by the media, but through relationships and associates in Cuba, especially after the recent threatening comments by United States Congressman Carlos Giménez.

Hearing their concerns and the potential worsening and serious human suffering upon the people, it is, I believe, our Christian responsibility, certainly mine, and us as the Church, to look and see how we can engage.

Congressman Giménez’s unwise and inappropriate threatening response is sure to rustle some Jamaican feathers. Perhaps Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his communication advisors are already crafting a response. So to Holness and his team I say, respectfully, please consider a response that reflects a middle ground thinking, instead of reactionary thinking. A wise king recorded long ago an absolutely true statement: “A soft answer turns away wrath…” (Proverbs 15:1)

There must be a middle ground that can be found that will lead to an amicable resolution. Holness had to speak on the current Cuban crisis at the recent Caricom heads meeting. Had he not, his colleagues and the media would be describing him as a spineless lackey of the US — as inappropriate as the congressman threats were.

We have had, as a nation, our differing political views, theories, ideologies, and tensions. But we are not the way we used to be. The world is not where the world was 40, 50 years ago. We are much wiser, we have grown, we have matured. All of that has moved us to a place to look at matters differently and see how we can dialogue to find solutions.

The communist vs capitalist, left vs right tensions are not so pronounced anymore because the parties or nations representing the differences have by and large borrowed ideas from each other as they have governed since the Cold War.

The long-standing issues and concerns of both America and Cuba must be respected and considered. Assessment and response must now be done in the context of the new realities. In this regard, we may need to realise that our political leaders may not be the best to handle initial dialogue and actions. Our political leaders may need to look to the Church to help defuse current tensions.

The Church can help find the middle ground. I recommend serious objective church leaders prepare to boldly lead the charge for the best benefit of all parties. I advise our governments throughout the Caribbean to support my advice and that the USA, and also Cuba, accept it for the common good of all. Allow us to help negotiate a workable resolution.

We, here in Jamaica, have had a long-standing relationship with Cuba. That nation has served us in many ways, even though some of us have not necessarily agreed with its ideological thinking. But it is what it is, and we are nonetheless brothers, and we are our brother’s keeper, and the only thing that must ever drive our decision-making, especially when suffering is in view, is love.

The principle of love for us as Christians is the primary value that should inform our actions. Therefore, love-driven action, which always seeks to find a way, is the only way to go.

As a nation, we should ask and answer the following questions:

• What can we do?

• What can our Government here do?

• How can we leverage our relationship both with Cuba and the US to help bridge the gap so that a solution can be found without the level of suffering or any other negative type of fallout that could come from this situation?

What can the Church do? Let us be an example of Christ’s love and compassion for our neighbours, Cuba. Let us seek the support of our Government to champion this cause.

I have often said that there is only one reason to do what is right. It’s because right is right! Yes, we have to understand the geopolitical dynamics and potential problems. But let us engage those who are willing to be objective. An objective approach is one that seeks resolutions that are win-win for all parties. That’s the mature approach.

What we need is objectivity. For objectivity finds its best wisdom when driven by no other issue but the principle of love. Love of God because God is the God of all men everywhere, of every nation, tribe, and tongue and when we appeal to His wisdom, and we apply it, we will find answers and solutions to human problems.

I still have faith in humanity that where there is seriousness and a sense of justice, we can solve confronting issues. Still, a word of caution, we cannot find solutions with an “anti” attitude. Whether anti-President Trump or anti-Cuba; anti-capitalism or anti-communism, once that is the dominating driving spirit we will not find solutions.

The varying views must be respected in seeking a resolution. USA, Britain, and Canada have long been our allies, which ought not to change. Let us act responsibly and decisively to intervene. I am certainly prepared, along with other leaders of the Church, to assist in this matter for a speedy and amicable solution. Let us remember the vision of our founding fathers, “…that Jamaica, may under God…advance the welfare of the whole human race”.

So let us seek dialogue and find a diplomatic solution to this Cuban crisis and do not just sit and allow it to escalate, especially when we are in a position to assist. The situation cries for us, as church leaders, to intervene boldly, stirred to action by words of our Lord, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Reverend Al Miller is a prominent Jamaican clergyman, social activist, and known for his long-standing leadership at Fellowship Tabernacle. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has established himself as a vocal advocate for national transformation, often blending faith with socio-political commentary, and applying righteous values to governance.

Al Miller 

What can the Church do to help find the middle ground in the Cuba-Jamaica-USA dilemma?