Officials in US and Jamaica Downplay Media Reports of Diplomatic Disagreement
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaican and United States government officials have sought to downplay suggestions of a diplomatic row between them after media reports said that the two countries are at odds over diplomatic postings.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, has in a statement, dismissed media reports of the diplomatic row reportedly sparked by a plan by the United States to post a diplomat involved in a same-sex marriage in Kingston.
“In accordance with diplomatic practice and within the ambit of Jamaica’s Constitution, Jamaica grants privileges and immunities to incoming diplomats, their staff, and families to either reside in or visit the country,” Johnson Smith said.
“All requests made to the foreign ministry are considered within this context. Members of staff from both countries continue to reside and work in each other’s territory and are expected to observe the laws of their host country,” she added.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has complied with these procedures and has, in fact, conducted its customary rotation exercise. Heads of Jamaican missions in the United States whose tenure will come naturally to an end later this year are already preparing for their transition,” Johnson Smith said as she sought to downplay the reported diplomatic tit-for-tat.
“The Government of Jamaica recognizes the importance of maintaining the traditions and practices of diplomacy, which have long ensured a seamless relationship with the diplomatic community and supported vibrant and admirable relations with the United States for over 60 years,” said Johnson Smith.
“The people-to-people relations between Jamaica and the United States have been a most successful area of cooperation, and we look forward to their continuation. There is no diplomatic row between Jamaica and the United States as we continue to enjoy strong and positive diplomatic relations,” added Johnson Smith.
Media reports here said that earlier this year, Washington wrote to the Andrew Holness government seeking approval for the married partner of a diplomat about to be posted to Jamaica and who is in a same-sex relationship to be given diplomatic immunity and all the privileges of a diplomat.
Jamaican laws do not recognize same-sex couples and the spouse would not qualify for the privileges awarded to a heterosexual married couple.
Radio Jamaica News quoting sources said that the US then responded rejecting a request from the Jamaican government to extend the stay of three diplomats in Jamaica’s embassy and consulates in the United States.
The radio station said that the US served notice that the trio must leave immediately after their five-year diplomatic visa expires.
“This is in contrast to what now obtains, where extensions to diplomatic visas for Jamaican diplomats beyond the five-year period are routine,” Radio Jamaica News reported, adding that “among those affected are Jamaica’s ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks, and Consul General Oliver Mair, based in Miami, who the Americans say must leave and return to Jamaica this year”.
But in her statement, Johnson Smith said Jamaica has always complied with procedures and set term limits for the length of stay of diplomats within the United States.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has complied with these procedures and has, in fact, conducted its customary rotation exercise. Heads of Jamaican missions in the United States whose tenure will come naturally to an end later this year are already preparing for their transition.
“The Government of Jamaica recognizes the importance of maintaining the traditions and practices of diplomacy, which have long ensured a seamless relationship with the diplomatic community and supported vibrant and admirable relations with the United States for over 60 years,” said Johnson Smith.
In a statement, the US Embassy here said that both countries “continue to enjoy close ties based on shared values, trade, culture, tourism, and a vibrant diaspora community in the United States”.
It said that as of August 2021, diplomats from all worldwide bilateral missions to the United States are accredited for a maximum of five years.
“At the conclusion of the five-year period, in the absence of a waiver approved by the [State] Department, the diplomats are expected to end their tour with the bilateral mission and depart the United States. Ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and deputy chiefs of mission are exempt from the five-year accreditation policy,” the Embassy added.
