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US Thanks Kamla for Backing Cuba Embargo as Trinidad and Tobago Breaks Diplomatic Tradition The United States has publicly thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for voting against a United Nations resolution calling for an end to Washington's longstanding economic embargo on Cuba. The acknowledgement came from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who praised the Government's position in a post on X on Friday, October 30, 2026. The diplomatic exchange followed Trinidad and Tobago's decision to abandon more than three decades of support for the annual UN resolution, marking a significant change in the country's foreign policy. Landau described the decision as support for a democratic transition in Cuba and expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's willingness to criticise the Cuban government. He also questioned why countries continued to support the Cuban administration, accusing it of denying citizens meaningful democratic choice for almost 68 years. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar welcomed the acknowledgement, thanking Landau and reaffirming her Government's commitment to democracy, freedom, human dignity and the right of the Cuban people to determine their political future. However, the resolution before the United Nations was not a vote on whether Cuba should undergo a democratic transition. It specifically called for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States. That distinction has become central to the debate surrounding Trinidad and Tobago's decision. The Government has maintained that its position reflects support for political freedom and democratic reform in Cuba, while the resolution itself addressed the continuation of American economic restrictions. On Wednesday, October 28, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against and 25 abstaining. Trinidad and Tobago was the only CARICOM country to vote against the measure. The decision represented a departure from the country's established diplomatic position. Trinidad and Tobago abstained when the resolution was first introduced in 1992 but supported calls to end the embargo from 1993 onwards, including in 2025. Landau's public appreciation therefore highlights Washington's approval of a policy shift that has moved Trinidad and Tobago closer to the United States on this particular international issue. The annual UN resolution is non-binding and does not compel Washington to remove its economic restrictions on Cuba. While the Government presents its position as one grounded in democratic principles, the decision has also raised questions about the future direction of Trinidad and Tobago's foreign policy and its relationship with Caribbean neighbours that have traditionally opposed the embargo. For now, Washington has made its position clear: it welcomes Trinidad and Tobago's change in approach.
US Thanks Kamla for Backing Cuba Embargo as Trinidad and Tobago Breaks Diplomatic Tradition
The United States has publicly thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for voting against a United Nations resolution calling for an end to Washington's longstanding economic embargo on Cuba.
The acknowledgement came from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who praised the Government's position in a post on X on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The diplomatic exchange followed Trinidad and Tobago's decision to abandon more than three decades of support for the annual UN resolution, marking a significant change in the country's foreign policy.
Landau described the decision as support for a democratic transition in Cuba and expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's willingness to criticise the Cuban government.
He also questioned why countries continued to support the Cuban administration, accusing it of denying citizens meaningful democratic choice for almost 68 years.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar welcomed the acknowledgement, thanking Landau and reaffirming her Government's commitment to democracy, freedom, human dignity and the right of the Cuban people to determine their political future.
However, the resolution before the United Nations was not a vote on whether Cuba should undergo a democratic transition. It specifically called for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States.
That distinction has become central to the debate surrounding Trinidad and Tobago's decision.
The Government has maintained that its position reflects support for political freedom and democratic reform in Cuba, while the resolution itself addressed the continuation of American economic restrictions.
On Wednesday, October 28, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against and 25 abstaining.
Trinidad and Tobago was the only CARICOM country to vote against the measure.
The decision represented a departure from the country's established diplomatic position. Trinidad and Tobago abstained when the resolution was first introduced in 1992 but supported calls to end the embargo from 1993 onwards, including in 2025.
Landau's public appreciation therefore highlights Washington's approval of a policy shift that has moved Trinidad and Tobago closer to the United States on this particular international issue.
The annual UN resolution is non-binding and does not compel Washington to remove its economic restrictions on Cuba.
While the Government presents its position as one grounded in democratic principles, the decision has also raised questions about the future direction of Trinidad and Tobago's foreign policy and its relationship with Caribbean neighbours that have traditionally opposed the embargo.
For now, Washington has made its position clear: it welcomes Trinidad and Tobago's change in approach.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
