UN vote weakens as US and Cuba clash; Caribbean nations face new economic and legal pressures

The United Nations General Assembly voted on the US embargo against Cuba, marking the 34th consecutive year of a condemnation vote, but the level of international support has fallen. The final tally stood at 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions. This outcome contrasts with last year’s count, where more than 160 countries backed the measure.

Several Western nations changed their voting behavior, opting to abstain or vote against the resolution for the first time. This shift occurs while Cuba confronts worsening economic conditions and intensified pressure from the Trump administration. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez characterized the situation as an economic attack by a major power. He stated that Cuba is not the threat, but rather the blockade itself.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz urged member states to vote against the resolution, arguing that a negative vote would limit Havana’s ability to claim a propaganda victory. Tensions between the two countries have escalated into public disputes at the UN. During a recent debate, Rodriguez approached the podium after Waltz criticized the socialist government. Rodriguez accused Waltz of lying and attempted to raise a point of order.

Waltz responded to the confrontation by asserting American dominance. He told Rodriguez, “He’s not going to intimidate me in the United States of America. You understand who you’re dealing with? This is America. Back up.” The exchange underscores the deteriorating diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana.

In Guyana, President Irfaan Ali has directed the Attorney General to review the death penalty. This move follows the discovery of a six-year-old child’s body near the Sea Dam Canal in Bath Settlement, Berbice. Police have identified the child’s father as the primary suspect. Ali described the incident as heinous and atrocious, stating that the case has raised questions about whether current penalties are strong enough to deter such crimes.

Although Ali acknowledged the human rights concerns associated with capital punishment, he expressed firm support for the measure. When asked if the death penalty was a necessary stronger response, he agreed with a “100%” confirmation. He emphasized that the judicial process must take its course while the nation considers how to address crimes that deeply disturb society.

In Haiti, the Haitian Bridge Alliance has renewed its request for the Trump administration to halt deportations. Executive director Guerline Jozef noted that the latest reported removal occurred on October 22. The group urges the US Senate to restore Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 Haitians. Jozef cited UN reports documenting the rape of thousands of women and girls, noting that nearly 1.5 million people are internally displaced.

Jozef argued that stripping protections from hundreds of thousands of people and sending families into a humanitarian catastrophe is an assault on human dignity. The administration terminated Haiti’s TPS and employment authorization designation effective July 27, 2026. The alliance called on the Senate to act immediately to prevent immigration policy from costing human lives.