Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has defended Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to vote against a United Nations resolution on Cuba, saying it reflects the Government’s commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights.
Trinidad and Tobago voted against the resolution which called for an end to the United States’ economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, joining the United States and 15 other countries in opposing the measure.
In a statement on social media on Wednesday, the Prime Minister defended the vote, saying the Government will not support what she described as a military dictatorship in Cuba, arguing that the Cuban people should have the right to freely elect their government.
“I have made it clear publicly that Trinidad and Tobago will not support military dictatorship in Cuba. The United States Government has been spearheading a campaign for democracy in Cuba. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of Cuban heritage is right, for Cuba to prosper, there must be political reforms and the democratic rights and freedoms of the Cuban people must be restored.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar questioned why citizens of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States should enjoy the right to elect and change their governments while Cubans are denied the same choice.
“We cannot demand democracy, free and fair elections, freedom of expression and political rights for ourselves while remaining silent when those same freedoms are denied to the Cuban people. Why should citizens of CARICOM nations enjoy the right to freely elect and change their governments while the Cuban people are denied that same democratic choice?”
The Prime Minister said the Government empathises with the suffering and hardship experienced by the Cuban people, but argued that compassion has been used to justify a political system that denies them fundamental freedoms.
She also criticised Cuba’s leadership, alleging that ordinary citizens were being exploited while those associated with the ruling regime enjoyed lavish lifestyles.
“While the Cuban people suffer, the leaders of the Cuban regime and their families live in luxury. The exploitation of ordinary Cubans to support the lavish lives of those associated with the ruling regime has to end.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago respects the sovereign right of other nations to determine their foreign policies and expects the same respect for its own decisions.
She also criticised those in Trinidad and Tobago who support the Cuban political system, arguing that dictatorship should not be romanticised as a struggle for freedom.
“Those persons in Trinidad and Tobago who support dictatorship in Cuba would never support it in our own country. There is nothing romantic or idealistic about dictatorship masked as a revolutionary struggle for freedom.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar maintained that the Government’s position is rooted in the right of all people, including Cubans, to determine their political future.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago stands for democracy, freedom, human dignity and the right of every citizen, including the people of Cuba, to freely determine their political future.”