Jamaica – No Diplomatic Row With US Says Foreign Minister Johnson Smith

The Jamaican government has reported that there is no existing diplomatic row between Jamaica and the United States. The allegations were reportedly tied to a request for diplomatic immunity for the spouse of a diplomat soon to be posted in Jamaica.

The diplomat is in a same-sex marriage. Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has denied the allegations of diplomatic tension between both nations in a release on Tuesday. She did not respond directly to the report that the Jamaican government was refusing to grant immunity and privileges to a same-sex partner of an American diplomat. Johnson Smith said that, in alignment with diplomatic practice and Jamaica’s Constitution, Jamaica extends privileges and immunities to incoming diplomats, their staff, and families, allowing them to reside in or visit the country, and stressed that all requests presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are considered within that context.

She also added that 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.

This adds much speculation as Jamaican law does not recognize same-sex couples. Reports are that earlier this year, the United States government formally requested approval from the Jamaican government to extend diplomatic immunity and privileges to the married partner of a diplomat set to be posted in Jamaica.

It was further reported that the Jamaican government did not respond promptly to the request from the US and they in turn denied a request from the Jamaican government to extend the stay of three of its diplomats after the expiration of their five-year visas.

The US department assured that they continue to foster a close relationship with Jamaica based on shared values, trade, culture, tourism, and a dynamic diaspora community in the US.