KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sep. 27, CMC – Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says the country does not use walkouts as part of its diplomatic approach at the United Nations, following questions about whether Jamaica joined delegates who left the General Assembly during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Dozens of delegates walked out as Netanyahu began his speech to the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday, amid continuing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
The incident prompted questions in Jamaica about the country’s position and whether its delegation had participated in the protest.
Johnson Smith did not state explicitly whether Jamaican representatives remained in the chamber throughout Netanyahu’s address, but told a town hall meeting in New York on Friday that Jamaica’s general approach was clear.
“We are not a walkout country,” she said.
The foreign minister said Jamaica seeks to remain present throughout the General Assembly debate regardless of which country is addressing the gathering.
“Jamaica tries to be present throughout the debate. All countries don’t, but we try,” Johnson Smith said.
“It’s not a judgment call as to who is speaking. We make note of what is being said, and that is a part of our understanding of the world in which we are.”
She said the approach was longstanding and reflected Jamaica’s preference for remaining engaged in diplomatic discussions rather than using attendance at individual speeches as a statement on the speaker.
The comments were made during a town hall involving Jamaicans and members of the diaspora in New York.
Netanyahu’s address drew protests both inside and outside the UN, with delegates from a number of countries leaving the General Assembly hall as he began speaking.
