Guyana, Trinidad decline support of CARICOM’s condemnation of U.S. Cuba threats

A rare moment of sharp regional unity and visible internal division emerged after Caribbean foreign ministers issued a strongly worded rebuke of the United States over suggestions of possible military action against Cuba and the continuation of long standing sanctions that have restricted fuel and essential supplies.

Meeting in Suriname, the ministers warned that escalating external pressure on Cuba risks deepening an already severe humanitarian situation. They stressed that Cuba presents no threat to any country and argued that it must be allowed to import fuel and other basic necessities without obstruction.

However, the statement also exposed diplomatic differences within the region. Guyana and Trinidad& Tobago did not endorse the collective position, instead reserving their stance. Both oil and gas producing states have in recent months maintained closer alignment with United States security and geopolitical priorities in the Caribbean.

The ministers expressed alarm at what they described as increasingly forceful economic and financial measures directed at Cuba. They said these actions have worsened shortages and contributed to conditions they described as a grave humanitarian crisis. The statement insisted that Cuba holds “Cuba’s sovereign right to import and receive fuel, and condemns the obstruction of energy supplies to Cuba,” while also declaring that the island is a peaceful member of the international community.

They further warned that continued unilateral restrictions violate principles of international law and undermine the stability of relations between sovereign states. The ministers also voiced concern over language suggesting possible military escalation, arguing that any such development would cause widespread human suffering and destabilise Caribbean security.

Jamaica’s opposition People’s National Party also weighed in shortly after the meeting, criticising recent United States executive actions it said were designed to intensify hardship for Cuban citizens, particularly through disruptions to health care systems.

The regional position follows earlier commitments made at a CARICOM summit in St Kitts in February, where leaders agreed in principle to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba. It remains unclear whether any shipments have since been delivered.

Diplomatic ties between Cuba and several Caribbean states stretch back to 1972 when countries including Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados formally established relations, ending years of regional isolation for Havana.

Ministers concluded by reaffirming their desire to preserve the Caribbean as a zone of peace, warning that military action against Cuba would impose severe human and economic costs while destabilising the wider region.

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