Countries demand end to US Cuba embargo

Barbados and other CARICOM states were united as countries voted by a large margin on resolution at the UN General Assembly demanding an end to the US economic blockade on Cuba.

The trade embargo was put in place following Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution and has remained largely unchanged, though some elements were stiffened by former President Donald Trump.

A total of 187 states voted for the resolution.

Only two countries, the United States and Israel voted against.

Ukraine meanwhile abstained.

This is 31 years in a row the General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned the embargo.

Permanent Representative of Barbados to the UN, Francois Jackman has reiterated Barbados’ position noting it opposes the imposition of unilateral punitive measures.

Ambassador Jackman says the annual report of the UN Secretary General contains submissions from member states that highlight a shared perspective of opposition to the efforts to isolate Cuba.

This, he says, inhibits the development of normal relations, distorts trade and investments and impedes legitimate business opportunities.

Barbados further urged the government of the United States to engage in constructive dialogue with Cuba aimed at normalising relations.

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