Holness urges CARICOM leaders to approach Cuban crisis with ‘clarity and courage’

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has suggested that Caribbean leaders must respond to the ongoing crisis in Cuba with “clarity and courage.”

Further, Holness says Jamaica supports “constructive dialogue” between Cuba and the United States (US) “aimed at de-escalation, reform and stability.”

“We believe there is space, perhaps more space now than in years past, for pragmatic engagement that protects the Cuban people from any further deterioration in their circumstances and instead promotes national and regional prosperity,” he said.

He was speaking in St Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday at the opening of the 50th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

An Executive Order signed by US President Donald Trump on January 29 restricts oil supply to Cuba by imposing trade pressure on countries that provide fuel to the Caribbean nation.

The move by the US has set off a deepening fuel crisis in Cuba, with authorities there opting to shorten the work week and scale back essential public services to conserve oil supply.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to St Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday to meet with the regional leaders.

Noting that Cuban health professionals have served across the Caribbean, Holness cautioned that the crisis there will not be confined to Cuba’s borders.

“It will affect migration, security and economic stability across the Caribbean region. It is therefore important that we carefully consider this matter and take collective action,” said Holness, Jamaica’s head of government.

Meanwhile, Holness also declared that Jamaica “stands firmly” for democracy, human rights, political accountability and an open, market-based economy.

“We do not believe that long-term stability can exist where economic freedom is constrained and political participation is limited,” he said, noting that Jamaica is “sensitive” to struggles of the Cuban people. “Sustainable prosperity requires openness to ideas, to enterprise, to investment and to the will of the people.”

The prime minister added: “This moment, therefore, calls not for rhetoric but for responsible statecraft even as we encourage support for humanitarian relief.”

The CARICOM leaders are meeting under the theme “Beyond Words, Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.”

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.