Trinidad and Tobago Recognizes State of Palestine, Strengthening International Consensus

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago formally recognized the State of Palestine on May 3, 2024, becoming the third Caribbean nation to do so after Barbados and Jamaica. The decision, announced by the country's Cabinet, aims to contribute to achieving lasting peace in the region by strengthening the growing international consensus on Palestinian statehood.

Why this matters: This recognition adds momentum to the global movement supporting Palestinian statehood, which could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to negotiate a two-state solution. As more countries recognize Palestine, it may also pave the way for increased international involvement in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Trinidad and Tobago's recognition of Palestine stems from its long-standing support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and its advocacy for a two-state solution to end the ongoing cycle of violence. The country has consistently endorsed key United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Palestine, including Resolution 67/19, which granted Palestine Non-Member Observer State status in 2012.

The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs emphasized the country's principled stance in a statement, saying, "Trinidad and Tobago has a long history of principled support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The Government's consistent position is that a two-State solution is the only way out of the ongoing cycle of violence."

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley reiterated the government's commitment to the two-state policy on October 26, 2023, recognizing both Israel's right to exist and the Palestinians' right to their own state. "The position of Trinidad and Tobago on that matter remains the same. It is that we support the two-State policy, where peace and sustainable development can come to the people of the Middle East, Israel and its neighbours, recognising Israel's right to exist and also the right of the Palestinians to a State of their own," stated Dr. Rowley.

The recognition comes amidst ongoing violence in the region, with the most recent round of conflict in Gaza breaking out in October 2023. Since then, Trinidad and Tobago has supported United Nations resolutions calling for the protection of civilians and the upholding of legal and humanitarian obligations.

With this decision, Trinidad and Tobago joins a growing list of 141 countries that recognize Palestine as an independent state, with Algeria being the first to do so in 1988. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 1947 calling for the partition of Palestine into two independent states – an Arab one and a Jewish one. However, a full-fledged Arab state has yet to be established in Palestine.

The recognition of Palestine by Trinidad and Tobago isa significant steptowards supporting the Palestinian cause and promoting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community continues to advocate for a two-state solution, this decision strengthens the growing consensus on Palestinian statehood and contributes to the efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Trinidad and Tobago recognizes Palestine as an independent state on May 3, 2024.
• This recognition adds momentum to the global movement supporting Palestinian statehood.
• 141 countries now recognize Palestine, with Algeria being the first in 1988.
• Trinidad and Tobago supports a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• This recognition contributes to efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.