Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith

Kingston, April 24 (RHC)-- The government of Jamaica made the decision on Tuesday to officially recognize the Palestinian State.  The decision was made by Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, after a debate in the Jamaican government cabinet on Monday.

With this, Kingston joins the bloc of 140 UN member states and the 11 CARICOM countries that recognize Palestine as a free and sovereign state.

Regarding the Jamaican election on Palestine, Johnson Smith said: "Jamaica continues to advocate a two-State solution as the only viable option for resolving the long-standing conflict, ensuring Israel’s security and defending the dignity and rights of the Palestinians.  By recognizing the State of Palestine, Jamaica strengthens its defense of a peaceful solution."

“Jamaica continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable option to resolve the longstanding conflict, guarantee the security of Israel and uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinians.  By recognising the State of Palestine, Jamaica strengthens its advocacy towards a peaceful solution,” Johnson Smith said in a media release on Tuesday.

Johnson Smith says the decision is based on Jamaica's concerns regarding the war in Gaza and the ever-deepening humanitarian crisis, and the Government's advocacy for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through diplomatic dialogue rather than military actions.

She says the decision is aligned with Jamaica's strong commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which seek to engender mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among states, as well as the recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination.

She has also reaffirmed Jamaica's support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and increased access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, especially the many women and children who are suffering daily. 

“Jamaica continues to support all efforts for de-escalation and the establishment of lasting peace in the region, imploring all parties to consider the dire consequences of further conflict and commit to diplomatic solutions ensuring the safety and sovereignty of all," Johnson Smith says.