Jamaica Voted Against Human Rights Abuses In Venezuela
Breaking News
There has been considerable public comment on Jamaica’s apparent new relations with Venezuela. Recent developments seem to have indicated a significant uncertainty or breakdown in this usually strong relationship. This appears to be uncharted territory.
The Vote
The People’s National Party (PNP) seem to forget that “human rights is an important issue” .. this was one of the key reasons we voted against recognizing the presidency of Maduro. The perceived human rights breakdown is why we voted at the OAS against what is happening in Venezuela. This is not an attempt to sever diplomatic relations or forgetting the assistance given by Venezuela to us via the Petrocaribe energy arrangement. This arrangement greatly helped Jamaica when cash flow was tight. We were able to get petroleum products through a credit arrangement … a pay later plan. It was invaluable to us.
Own Two Feet
Jamaica stood on its own two feet when it voted against Venezuela. To imply that we were influenced by external forces was rejected by Johnson Smith speaking yesterday at Jamaica House at a press Conference. The Minister said inter alia “We acted from a principled position” she confidently declared. We were not influenced to act on anyone’s behest.
Concerns
The Jamaica Council Of Churches (JCC) has expressed concerns at what is happening between Venezuela and Jamaica. The JCC seems to be unmindful or are ignoring that human rights concerns, the apparent rape of the constitution and disregard for the rule of law in Venezuela are the reality in that, troubled South American State. Judges are fleeing the country as they are either under attack or fearful for their lives. There is chaos in this troubled country. The Holness administration had to send a signal that it cannot be business as usual in wake of apparent human rights abuses.
Inauguration
Jamaica sent a representative to the inauguration of Maduro but does not recognize the methods used to secure his presidency. Many are questioning why send a representative to his inauguration and refuse to vote in favour of a motion against Venezuela at the Security Council. The reason is “Keep the avenues for dialogue open.”
Human Rights
The People’s National Party seem to forget that “human rights is an important issue” .. this was one of the key reasons we voted against recognizing the presidency of Maduro. This apparent human rights breakdown is why we voted at the OAS against what is happening in Venezuela. This vote was not an attempt to sever diplomatic relations or forgetting the assistance given by Venezuela to us via the Petrocaribe energy arrangement. This arrangement greatly helped Jamaica when cash flow was tight. We were able to get petroleum products through a credit arrangement … a pay later plan.
Own Two Feet
Jamaica stood on its own two feet when it voted against Venezuela. To imply that we were influenced by external forces was rejected by Jonson Smith speaking yesterday at Jamaica House at a press Conference.
The Jamaica Council Of Churches (JCC) seems to be are unmindful or are ignoring that human rights concerns, apparent rape of the constitution and disregard for the rule of law in Venezuela are happening. Judges are fleeing the country as they are either under attack or fearful for their lives. There is chaos in this troubled country. Inflation has gone through the roof and basic commodities are scarce. The Holness administration had to send a signal that it cannot be business as usual as we relate to Venezuela. They sent a representative to the inauguration but do not recognize the methods used to secure his presidency. Many are questioning why send a representative to his inauguration and refuse to vote in favour of a motion against Venezuela at the Security Council.
The Jamaica Council Of Churches (JCC) seems to be are unmindful or are ignoring that human rights concerns, apparent rape of the constitution and disregard for the rule of law in Venezuela are happening. Judges are fleeing the country as they are either under attack or fearful for their lives. There is chaos in this troubled country. Inflation has gone through the roof and basic commodities are scarce. The Holness administration had to send a signal that it cannot be business as usual as we relate to Venezuela. They sent a representative to the inauguration but do not recognize the methods used to secure his presidency. Many are questioning why send a representative to his inauguration and refuse to vote in favour of a motion against Venezuela at the Security Council.
Offer
Johnson Smith announced that “an unknown private company has sent an email within a couple of hours to me making an offer to buy Petrojam”. This possibly “fathom” company has a US$2,000,000 debt and for 3 years has not filed returns at the Company’s Office of Jamaica”. There are questions being asked about the bone fides of this alleged business operation. Based on research done by Johnson Smith their ability to service US$100 mil debt is questionable … this sum is what is being asked for Petrojam. Strangely one Collin Campbell, former General Secretary of the PNP wrote an article published in the widely circulated Sunday Newspaper January 13, 2019 referring to this offer mentioned above. You be the judge.
Strange
What is known by the PNP or Phillip Paulwell that the JLP government is not aware of. Do they (PNP) have secrets or private contacts with the Maduro government not disclosed to the Jamaican people or government?
There have been some strange developments that baffles our thinking. This mysterious offer seems to be one such.
Commentary
The government has acted properly from all indications in the public interest. You be the judge. We will watch this development closely. Patriotism dictates that all persons should be loyal to their country and not take sides contrary to the public interest. Why did Johnson Smith et al make so much noise about their intention … instead of moving quietly, decisively and speedily?
Commentary
The government has acted properly from all indications in the public interest. You be the judge. We will watch this development closely. Patriotism dictates that all persons should be loyal to their country and not take sides contrary to the public interest. Why did Johnson Smith et al make so much noise about their intention … instead of moving quietly, decisively and speedily?
Is the PNP conducting behind the scenes or secret negotiations with the Venezuelan authorities? Johnson Smith intimated this suspicion in a radio interview today, but refused to elaborate when pressed. She said “tripartite discussions” … talks behind the scenes. The PNP’S General Secretary Robinson, has refuted this insinuation and asked her to apologize. Johnson Smith has said she will not apologize.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is SIC & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.
