UNC Defends Trinidad and Tobago’s Cuba Vote, Says Democracy Must Come Before Military Dictatorship
The United National Congress (UNC) has defended Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to vote against a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the United States economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, insisting that its position is rooted in support for democracy and the rights of the Cuban people.
In a statement issued following the vote on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the UNC declared that it supports the Cuban people but does not support what it described as a military dictatorship.
The party said Trinidad and Tobago’s position reflects the Government’s commitment to democracy, freedom and fundamental human rights.
The UNC argued that citizens of Cuba should enjoy the same democratic freedoms available to people throughout the Caribbean, including the right to freely elect their leaders and change their government.
It questioned why citizens of CARICOM nations should enjoy those rights while Cubans are denied similar opportunities.
The statement also expressed support for the position of United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has advocated political reforms and the restoration of democratic freedoms in Cuba.
According to the UNC, compassion for the Cuban population should not be confused with support for the country’s existing political system.
The party acknowledged the suffering and economic hardship experienced by ordinary Cubans but argued that humanitarian concerns have been used to defend a political system that restricts democratic participation.
It also accused members of Cuba’s ruling establishment and their families of enjoying privileged lifestyles while ordinary citizens experience hardship. These allegations were presented as the UNC’s position and were not independently substantiated in the statement.
The party further maintained that Trinidad and Tobago respects the sovereign right of other countries to determine their foreign policies and expects similar respect for its own decisions.
The statement comes after Trinidad and Tobago joined 16 other countries in voting against the UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the longstanding American embargo on Cuba.
The resolution nevertheless passed, receiving 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions.
The vote represents a significant shift in Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic position, as the country had previously supported UN calls for the embargo to be lifted.
Importantly, the UN resolution addressed the United States embargo rather than Cuba’s political system. Voting against the resolution did not constitute a separate UN decision on whether Cuba should introduce democratic reforms.
Supporters of lifting the embargo argue that American economic restrictions contribute to shortages and hardship affecting Cuban households. The United States Government, meanwhile, has criticised Cuba’s political system and argued that the country’s leadership bears substantial responsibility for its economic difficulties.
The UNC concluded by reaffirming its support for democracy, human dignity and the right of the Cuban people to determine their political future.
It also commended nations that it said stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba.