Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith has rejected claims that the United States has docked the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier in Jamaica, as a strategic show of military force to intimidate Cuba.
US-Cuba relations are at their lowest point in decades, following intensified sanctions including a fuel blockade, the US’ indictment of former Cuban Leader, Raúl Castro, and US officials calling Cuba a failed State.
These developments, coupled with the size of the USS Nimitz, which stands at 1,092 feet long have caused public concern, that its recent docking at Kingston Harbour is a show of force.
However, addressing the matter at a post-Cabinet press conference this morning, Minister Johnson Smith maintained that the ship’s presence is part of a routine goodwill and diplomatic visit.