EOJ, WASHINGTON D.C., July 25, 2023 – During my absence from the office over the past week, on urgent personal matters, I was bombarded with queries in relation to media reports regarding a United States Government diplomatic policy request of the Jamaican Government.
Both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as well as the United States State Department, have already responded to the erroneous nature of a Radio Jamaica report which was subsequently picked up and carried by various news organizations and social media platforms.
- Advertisement -
Therefore, let me use this opportunity to reiterate the facts of this matter. The United States has requested that countries recognize diplomatic spouses in same-sex marriages, a condition which has been legal in the United States over the past eight (8) years.
Based on this policy, a request was received by the Jamaican Embassy [on June 20, 2023] for Jamaica to extend privileges and immunities to all spouses, irrespective of gender, of accredited personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica. As is customary, this request was forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the recommended response, in keeping with Jamaican laws, was made and sent in a timely manner [by July 5, 2023], to the U.S. Department of State.
Based on the foregoing, and the timeliness of the response, it is clear that the request by the United States was not ignored and contrary to reports, no “second demand ” was made.
Additionally, at no time was a request made by the U.S. Department of State to have Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States removed or to immediately leave the USA; before the end of the year; or immediately upon the expiration of her diplomatic visa.
As Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, I shall return home to Jamaica at the appropriate time in keeping with my contract or at the behest of my government.
