Jamaica rejects same-sex spouse of U.S. diplomat, provoking retaliation

Jamaica’s ambassador to the U.S. told she must go home this year

Jamaica’s rigid rejection of the human rights of LGBTQ people has led it into a diplomatic clash with the United States.

Caribbean National Weekly reported:

Diplomatic tensions emerge as Jamaica denies accreditation to American diplomat’s same-sex spouse

A diplomatic dispute has been brewing between Washington and Kingston, straining the historically strong ties between the United States and Jamaica. At the center of the conflict lies Jamaica’s refusal to grant accreditation to the spouse of an American diplomat, a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for diplomatic relations between the two nations.

[Editor’s note: The name of the diplomat was not released. It is not U.S. Ambassador Nick Perry, a Jamaican native now from Brooklyn, N.Y., who, with his wife Joyce, has two children and one granddaughter.]

Diplomatic Row Erupts: Jamaica Rejects Spouse’s Accreditation Request

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. Notably, the diplomat and their partner are in a same-sex relationship, an aspect that has added complexity to the situation since same-sex marriage is not recognized in Jamaica.

Sources indicate that the Jamaican government failed to respond promptly to the initial request made by the United States. Frustrated by the lack of a timely response, American officials sent another diplomatic note urging a swift reply. In a disappointing turn of events, the Jamaican government eventually rejected the United States’ request.

According to a senior government source who spoke to Radio Jamaica News, granting approval to the request would require Jamaica to acknowledge same-sex marriages, an act that remains illegal within the country’s legal framework. This refusal by the Jamaican government has triggered a series of retaliatory measures from the United States.

Caribbean National Weekly’s efforts to reach out to Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, have proved futile, as there has been no response as of yet regarding their position.

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Retaliatory Measures: United States Revokes Visas of Jamaican Diplomats

Reliable sources reveal that the United States, in response, rejected a separate request from Jamaica to extend the stay of three diplomats stationed at the Jamaican embassy and consulates within the United States. Consequently, these diplomats have been instructed to leave the country immediately following the expiration of their five-year diplomatic visas.

This move diverges from the existing practice, where extensions to diplomatic visas for Jamaican diplomats beyond the five-year period are typically granted as a routine matter. Among those directly impacted by the decision are Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, and Oliver Mair, the Consul General based in Miami. Both officials have been instructed by American authorities to return to Jamaica within the current year.

Uncertain Future: Tensions Threaten Diplomatic Relations Between the US and Jamaica

At present, it remains uncertain what further diplomatic measures, if any, the United States government might take against Jamaica as a consequence of the denial of diplomatic immunity to the spouse of one of its diplomats. The ongoing disagreement has the potential to strain relations between the two nations, raising concerns about the future of their diplomatic partnership.