US Congressman says Jamaica will ‘face consequences’ in criticism against Holness over Cuba comments

United States Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez has warned that “Jamaica will face the consequences” for comments made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness about Cuba on Tuesday.

Holness, in his address during the opening ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Saint Kitts and Nevis, said Caribbean leaders must speak plainly about what is happening in Cuba.

He called Cuba “our Caribbean neighbour,” noting that Cuban doctors and teachers have supported countries across the region, including Jamaica.

In an apparent reference to the oil blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States, the Jamaican head of government said many Cubans are facing serious economic hardship, energy shortages, and growing humanitarian challenges.

Holness insisted, however, that Jamaica stands for democracy, human rights, accountability, and open, market-based economies.

“This moment calls for responsible leadership and constructive dialogue, particularly between Cuba and the United States, to ease tensions and promote reform and stability,” Holness said in a post on his account on the social media platform X.

Gimenez used his X account to fire back at Holness.

“I harshly condemn this & find it lamentable that the JLP [Jamaica Labour Party] would cover up for the moribund dictatorship in Cuba when the [Fidel Castro] regime repeatedly intervened in Jamaica’s politics to exacerbate partisan tensions & undermine the JLP,” he said in a message attached to Holness’ post.

Holness is the leader of the ruling JLP.

By comparison, Gimenez, who represents Florida’s 28th Congressional District, suggested that Caribbean leaders “follow the lead” of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

He said Persad-Bissessar has governed with “moral clarity” and has strengthened her country’s alliance with the United States “and championed democracy in the Caribbean.”

“Trinidad & Tobago is benefitting tremendously & other nations can as well,” he said in a second message posted on X.

- Livern Barrett

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