PNP urges Caricom unity as US measures deepen Cuba tensions

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is calling on governments across the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to take a common, practical approach as friction grows between Cuba and the United States. The party cautioned that the dispute could carry risks for the region's stability and economic well-being.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the PNP said Caricom and the wider Caribbean have a direct stake in keeping the area peaceful, protecting national borders, and supporting each country's right to chart its own path.

The party raised alarm over a January 2026 Executive Order from the United States that limits fuel supplies to Cuba. It said the move has created serious difficulties for people in Cuba, affecting transportation and the output of goods and services, while adding pressure to the country's health system.

Referring to a United Nations report dated April 6, 2026, the Opposition said conditions in Cuba's health sector had worsened sharply. It noted that 96,000 surgeries had been put off, among them 11,000 procedures involving children, and that vaccination schedules for about 3,000 children had also been delayed.

The PNP further cited sanctions announced by the United States on May 1, 2026, against Cuban state bodies and international parties connected to the energy, finance and defence sectors.

The Opposition said those actions had been taken even as Cuba has maintained that it is not a danger to US national security and is willing to engage in talks based on sovereignty, non-interference and mutual respect.

The party warned that any further worsening of the situation could affect Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, with possible consequences for tourism, the economic rebound and migration, especially while Jamaica continues recovery work after Hurricane Melissa.

In light of those concerns, the PNP urged the Government and other Caricom states to "add their voices, in a measured and constructive manner, to regional and international demands for the protection of peace in our region, the reversal of the escalation of adverse actions in relation to Cuba, and the upholding of Cuba's territorial integrity and self-determination".

The Opposition also asked the Government to collaborate with regional partners on a shared Caribbean stance centred on dialogue, restraint and respect for international law. It said Jamaica should take an active intermediary role in efforts to return relations between Washington and Havana to normal.