Jamaica's diplomatic status has slipped, says former ambassador

 

Former Jamaican ambassador to China and the US, Ralph Thomas, says Jamaica's status globally has slipped due to its stance on some issues at the recently concluded UN General Assembly. 

 

He made the criticism for two main reasons. One was Jamaica's abstention on a vote to allow Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, to address the General Assembly via video link. The second was the country's decision not to walk out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech. 

 

The government has been criticised by the parliamentary opposition over its decision not to join other nations in walking out during Mr. Netanyahu's address as a symbolic protest against Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza. 

 

The government has since pushed back at the criticism. 

 

Mr. Thomas says Jamaica should reexamine its position on international issues.

 

"Jamaica's reputation has been at A+ when it comes to diplomacy and multilateral agreement, and I'd say that we've come down a notch. We're still not out of it yet because people still, that aura still exists with Jamaica, but more and more we're resigning from leadership in CARICOM, we've resigned from leadership again at the United Nations by taking courageous positions. So it's a gradual slippage and fall, and we need the call to say, Jamaica, reexamine your position, reexamine your diplocacy and find a way to navigate the space," he urged, adding that the country must regain its hard-earned position.   

 

Ambassador Thomas was speaking Thursday on Power Talk on Power 106 FM.