KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid growing criticism, especially since the ending of the 50-year-old Cuban medical mission in Jamaica, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is defending the foreign policy of his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government.

Noting that the global order has changed significantly since the end of the Cold War in 1991, Holness said, “In this dynamic foreign policy environment, Jamaica must be strategic.”

Holness made the remark on Thursday during his ongoing contribution to the Budget Debate in the House of Representatives.

“We cannot go down the road of ideology and rhetoric. Foreign policy is about having a clear framework of principles and values, within which we pursue our interests, while treating with the interests and power of others with whom we engage,” he stated.

Continuing, Holnes said, “My administration has always ensured that our foreign policy serves our economic interests. And we see the benefits of our foreign policy efforts in the swift mobilisation of relief and access to over US$6 billion of reconstruction funds from the multilateral financial institutions.”

According to Holness, the foreign policy of no previous administration has benefited Jamaica in such a significant way.

He argued that a strong multilateral system is in Jamaica’s interests, adding that “we will always do our part to ensure it works”.

“The essence of agency is that you act of your own will. As a responsible member of the global community, Jamaica will always take the necessary action to be compliant with all our obligations in the multilateral systems. The country would have seen this in our actions to be removed from the FATF and AML/CFT grey lists in 2024,” he said.

The prime minister outlined that when concerns were raised with the Government of Jamaica by the United States Government regarding the Cuban medical mission more than a year ago, “We reviewed the programme against our own laws and the various multilateral conventions under which we have obligations.”

However, he said there were aspects of the programme which were brought to the attention of the Cuban Government, including how personnel are paid, that run counter to Jamaica’s laws and several international conventions.

“We were hopeful that adjustments to make the programme compliant could have been agreed so that we could continue to have the direct service of the Cuban health professionals who are here,” said Holness.

He highlighted that the Cuban medical mission has been beneficial to the people of Jamaica.

“The Cuban doctors and nurses have assimilated quite well in our hospital system and have developed strong bonds with the people they serve. I can say that Jamaicans love them and want them to stay,” added the prime minister.

Holness remarked that as Jamaica’s closest neighbour, we are concerned for the situation in Cuba.

He said through Caricom, “Jamaica will do its part to offer support for our brothers and sisters in Cuba.”

“We take note of press reports that talks have opened between Cuba and the United States. This is a moment for reform and reset, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome,” Holness said.

— Lynford Simpson