Kamina Johnson Smith speaks during a press briefing. Photo: JIS

“To ignore all that has been said and done, including the actual recognition of the State of Palestine last year, a step never taken by any previous administration; and to decry our non-participation in a performative action shows the image-focused and in-substantive approach of the PNP to foreign policy,” Johnson Smith said in a press release on Tuesday.

The minister added that “it is disappointing but not surprising” that the PNP has continued what she described as its trend of disingenuous approaches to foreign policy issues.

Her comments followed a media release from the PNP on Tuesday, where the party condemned the Government for what it described as a failure to show solidarity with the Palestinian people during key moments at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Johnson Smith pointed to comments from Prime Minister Andrew Holness during the UNGA, who stated, “Jamaica is deeply horrified by the devastating humanitarian consequences of the counteroffensive in Palestinian territories. A just and peaceful resolution to the conflict is only possible through diplomacy and dialogue. We continue to support United Nation Security Council Resolution 242, and support the call for a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of all remaining hostages and definitively ending the protracted war and human suffering.”

Johnson Smith further highlighted that Holness also indicated that Jamaica, “once again condemns the heinous October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel”.

The minister maintained that the statement made at the same meeting in respect of which PNP Spokesperson Donna Scott Mottley’s criticisms were levied was consistent with previous statements she has made, as well as statements in which Jamaica joined the Caribbean Community (Caricom) at the levels of heads, foreign ministers and permanent representatives to the UN.

“It is a matter of prominent public record that the Dr Holness-led Government of Jamaica took the decision to recognise the State of Palestine following deliberations of Cabinet in April 2024. At that time, I stated unequivocally that ‘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,” she said.

Johnson Smith accused Scott Mottley of starting on the wrong foot by issuing the statement.