Dennis Minott and Byron Blake | Jamaica’s foreign policy – adroit or adrift?

The Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) has been embroiled in a string of controversies and gaffes in recent years, raising concerns about its competence and ability to effectively manage Jamaica’s foreign relations. These missteps have not only damaged Jamaica’s international reputation but have also undermined public trust in the ministry.

Consider the following:

1.0 Unilateral Rejection of CARICOM Consensus Candidate for Commonwealth Secretary General

In 2022, Jamaica defied the consensus of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and put forward its own Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, for Commonwealth Secretary General, a move that was seen as a betrayal of CARICOM solidarity. The decision was widely criticised, with many accusing Jamaica of acting in its own self-interest rather than the interests of the region.

2.0 The unexplained negative turn in relations with Venezuela including divergence with CARICOM partners. Jamaica and its CARICOM partners had over the years a well-developed and understood relationship including their ironclad opposition to Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory. In February 2018, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Jamaica on a mission “to promote a safe, prosperous, energy secure, and democratic hemisphere” and “advocate for increased regional attention to the crisis in Venezuela”. Immediately thereafter, Jamaica’s posture towards Venezuela changed radically and without reference to CARICOM partners.

Among other things:

(a) The PetroCaribe Agreement became a problem and by February 2019 the Cabinet of Jamaica decided to compulsorily acquire Venezuela’s share in the Jamaica refinery at a unilaterally determined price;

(b) Jamaica decided not to recognise the elected Government of Venezuela, and to support the seating of the representative of an unelected Government in the OAS, thereby creating a rift with other CARICOM States. While the MFAFT has the responsibility to advise the Government on such matters the allegations are strong that it is the hand of the United States even if the voice of Jamaica.

3.0 Inept handling of Jamaicans in the diaspora during the COVID-19 pandemic:

The MFAFT’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was widely criticised for its lack of coordination and empathy. Many Jamaicans stranded overseas were left without adequate support or information, leading to feelings of abandonment and frustration. The ministry’s handling of this crisis further eroded public trust.

4.0 Questionable relationship with China:

Jamaica’s growing closeness to China has raised concerns among some, who fear that the country is becoming too reliant on its Asian partner. The MFAFT has not done enough to address these concerns, leading to accusations of a lack of transparency and accountability.

5.0 Abstention from voting on UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Jamaica’s decision to abstain from voting on the UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was met with widespread disapproval. The MFAFT’s explanation for the abstention was vague and unconvincing, leading to accusations of cowardice and a lack of commitment to international law.

6.0 Calculated absence from voting on Jordanian Resolution on Israel-Hamas conflict:

Jamaica’s absence from the UN General Assembly vote on a resolution condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza was also met with criticism. The MFAFT’s explanation that the Ambassador was unable to confer with the Home Office was widely seen as a lame excuse.

7.0 Summary repatriation of Haitian refugees:

The MFAFT’s decision to summarily repatriate two groups of Haitian refugees without due process was met with outrage from human rights groups – (3,400 Haitians in five years). The ministry’s failure to explain this policy shift has fuelled suspicions of anti-needy xenophobia and a disregard for international law. (The contrast with how Trinidad and Tobago with half our size and half our population has handled, with due process and humanness, an influx of 36,000-plus needy Venezuelan refugees over the same timespan of five years could hardly be more stark).

Here’s the thing:

The Jamaican government must take urgent steps to address the concerns surrounding the MFAFT’s performance. The ministry needs to become more transparent, accountable, and consistent in its foreign policy decisions. It also needs to rebuild public trust by engaging in open communication and addressing public concerns in a timely and forthright manner.

Jamaica’s reputation as a champion of human rights and international law is at stake. The government must act swiftly to restore public confidence in the MFAFT and ensure that Jamaica’s foreign policy is adroitly guided by principles of transparency, accountability, consistency and enlightened compassion.

- Dennis Minott, PhD, is the CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR. He is a renewable energy specialist and worked in the oil and energy sector. Byron Blake is former assistant secretary general of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com