JAMAICA, October 35th, 2016.With unanimous support, the Parliament of Jamaica approved today, in its 8th consecutive occasion, a motion that calls for the end of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. With the participation of legislators from the two most important political parties, representatives of the Government (JLP) and the Opposition (PNP) exchanged during more than an hour on this criminal policy the United States has imposed against Cuba for more than 50 years.
The resolution was presented by legislator and Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo-Forte, who in a detailed explanation denounced how the extraterritorial measures continue to be applied against Cuba and the persecution on financial transactions. She also detailed the human and economic damages and in mostly all the sphere of the national life that has been caused by the blockade to the Cuban people. Malahoo-Forte also defined this policy as a violation to the International Law and the human rights of the Cuban people.
The Attorney General also recalled that United States maintains a naval base in Guantanamo against the will of the Cuban Government and people.
Different legislators, among them members of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and speakers of the Opposition, exposed the diverse affectations caused by this unilateral policy and reiterated the extraterritorial character of blockade that prevents Cuba from establishing normal economic relations with third countries, including Jamaica.
While supporting the draft project presented by Malahoo-Forte, the Jamaican legislators expressed their admiration and respect to the Cuban people for its resistance, the results achieved in diverse social areas, as well as for its internationalist support despite the blockade. To this respect, they highlighted the assistance offered by Cuba to Jamaica with scholarships to study Medical Sciences, and with doctors, teachers and other collaborators. The legislators also referred to the decisive role played by Cuba in the fight against Ebola and the support offered to Jamaica in this regard.
As expression of the willingness of the people of Jamaica, the legislators stated their confidence that tomorrow, October 26th, the Jamaican Government will join the almost unanimous condemn to blockade at United Nations.
Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Bernardo Guanche Hernandez, was a special guest to this parliamentary session where it was ratified the willingness of the Jamaican people to accompany Cuba in the fight to end this genocidal policy. Upon concluding this session, the Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Heather Cooke, handed in a copy of the document to the Cuban diplomat who thanked on behalf of the his Government and people for the permanent solidarity and brotherhood during so many years.
(Cubavsbloqueo-Embacuba Jamaica)
