Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago have recently made historic declarations by officially recognizing Palestinian statehood.

The announcement from Barbados came on April 21, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds declaring the decision to formally recognize Palestine as a state.

Symmonds said that the timing was appropriate for Barbados to extend diplomatic recognition to Palestine.

Likewise, on April 23, Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, issued a statement affirming Jamaica's intention to recognize the State of Palestine.

The decision "is in line with Jamaica’s strong commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which aim to establish mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among States, as well as the recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination," a statement read.

Trinidad and Tobago joined the ranks shortly thereafter, becoming the latest Caribbean nation to formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood.

"Recognition of Palestine is moral and just and demonstrates Trinidad and Tobago’s acknowledgment of and support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian People," the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago said in a statement.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago became the 141st UN member state to recognize Palestine.

🇵🇸 This is the third recognition in the last 30 days; Barbados and Jamaica did the same in April. pic.twitter.com/8XtI49PZLm

— S p r i n t e r F a c t o r y (@Sprinterfactory) May 3, 2024

Read more: Barbados officially recognizes Palestine as a state

This shift in policy represents a departure from the longstanding diplomatic relations that Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago have maintained with "Israel" since the 1960s.

Despite historical ties, these countries have opted to align themselves with international efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the occupation of Palestine, particularly through the endorsement of a two-state solution.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the decisions of Barbados and Jamaica, viewing them as consistent with the principles of international law and the right to self-determination.

But they also underscored the ongoing challenges posed by Israeli policies, which have undermined the prospects for a viable two-state solution.

After a meeting of the European Council in Brussels in April, Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Malta have all considered the option of recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that Madrid will recognize the State of Palestine before July.

"We need a real Palestinian state," Albares said. "The Palestinian people must not be condemned to be refugees forever."

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