As a child growing up my parents would always encourage me to make sure that I “mind my own business”, but they also took time out to make sure that our neighbour’s children were alright as well.

Oftentimes, when our neighbour, Ms Paulette, was leaving for the market on a Saturday morning, she would come by the fence in our little community of Waterford and ask my mother and father to “give an eye” until she returned from Coronation (Currie) Market.

Just as my parents watched over our neighbours out of concern and solidarity, Prime Minister Andrew Holness extended a similar gesture to Cuba during the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, highlighting the importance of regional support, and concerns for the situation in Cuba.

Prime Minister Holness devoted one minute and thirty seconds (give an eye) of his 25-minute address to refer to neighbouring Cuba. During his remarks, the prime minister of Jamaica—an island situated approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Cuba—called for pragmatic engagement to address the economic hardships and humanitarian challenges faced by the Cuban people.

This appeal appears to have drawn criticism from a United States congressman of Cuban descent.

In issuing that criticism, Congressman Gimenez sought to remind Jamaicans of our own history—while relying on a notably selective interpretation—and proceeded to caution that ‘Jamaica will face the consequences’.

His remarks warrant a clear and confident response, as they overlook the full context of Jamaica’s sovereign decision‑making and the principles that guide our international posture. While we refrain from intervening in the affairs of other nations, we reserve the right to express concerns when international policies or issues pose potential implications for our own borders.

For this reason, Holness expressed concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Cuba, noting that it could result in increased migration to Jamaica and other Caribbean states.

Having “given an eye” on our neighbours, the remaining twenty-three minutes and thirty seconds of Prime Minister Holness’s CARICOM presentation focused on fostering resilient relationships within the CARICOM family, while simultaneously emphasising the importance of national development. This perspective was echoed by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who also noted that she had to face the reality of the issues facing her own nation-state.

Growing up, my parents would often remind me that “every captain steers their ship differently,” a saying that underscores the importance of respecting the unique approaches each leader takes in guiding their community or nation.

Prime Minister Holness echoed this sentiment during his address to the heads of government meeting, making it clear that CARICOM is not a political union but rather a collective of independent nations, each guided by its own political mandates and priorities tailored to the needs of its people.

For Jamaica, one of the government’s top priorities is addressing the issue of crime by targeting criminal networks. Holness emphasised that reducing crime is a crucial goal for the country, and he highlighted Jamaica’s readiness to share its experiences and strategies in crime reduction with neighbouring CARICOM states. By doing so, Jamaica seeks to contribute positively to regional security while maintaining the principle that each nation must chart its own course based on its unique circumstances and requirements.

Prime Minister Holness emphasised that although the global geopolitical landscape is undergoing significant transformation, small island states—particularly those within CARICOM—must position themselves to seize the opportunities emerging from these shifts.

He noted that individual CARICOM member states retain the ability to negotiate policies that deliver strategic benefits at the national level. At the same time, the prime minister encouraged member states to “pool talents and align standards,” arguing that deeper collaboration will better equip the region to capitalise on global opportunities.

In the end, Jamaica’s posture on foreign policy reflects the same principles many of us were raised with: look after your own home but never turn a blind eye to the well-being of those who share your fence line.

By acknowledging the challenges facing Cuba while remaining focused on national priorities, Prime Minister Holness underscored the balance that every Caribbean leader must strike—protecting domestic interests while contributing to the stability and resilience of the wider region.

As global dynamics continue to shift, CARICOM states will need both independence of thought and unity of purpose, ensuring that each nation can steer its own ship while still navigating together toward a more secure and prosperous future.

In conclusion, I would like to reference a passage from the Bible that encapsulates my perspective on this topic. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, New King James Version

“11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

Next time, I will tell you what else I have to say!

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