Letter of the Day | The Caribbean must speak with one voice

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The United States (US) finds itself once again under the leadership of President Trump, who has maintained an ‘America First’ foreign policy. But what exactly does this mean for the Caribbean, a region that the US describes as its backyard?

If the previous first Trump Administration is any indication, then the ripple effects to the Caribbean region will be far-reaching. The region can expect a sharp decline in US aid, which will affect several ongoing projects and initiatives. We have already seen where Mr Elon Musk, who I like to describe as ‘mini-Trump’, has tried to dismantle the USAID. This begs the question of whether the current Administration has forgotten the guiding principle behind former President John F. Kennedy establishing the agency. The idea behind the establishment of USAID is not just as a tool for humanitarian assistance. It is also a strategic instrument of influence that emerged at the height of the Cold War to strengthen ties with developing counties. With USAID being rolled back, the Caribbean will be forced to forge alliances with other countries. Maybe Europe? China? Where does this leave the US and its influence in the region?

In his previous term, President Trumps had little regard for the unique vulnerabilities of our region. It is no surprise that the US has once again withdrawn itself from the Paris Agreement and halted all US funding to international bodies that advocate for climate reform. This is a major blow to Caribbean countries that are vulnerable to climate change. The ability of the Caribbean to adapt and build resilience against climate change is not only tied to our local efforts but is also reliant on the global commitments of other countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So when a major powerhouse like the US turns its back on climate action and labels it a ‘hoax’, it weakens international momentum and undermines the funding that countries like us here in the Caribbean rely on.

We must also pay close attention to the escalation of the trade wars between the US and other global powers and how this will affect the region. The Caribbean stands at a precarious crossroads. We must acknowledge that this is not just a distant diplomatic spat. It is a dark storm cloud looming over our already fragile economies. We can expect rising import costs, strained supply chains, and, possibly , a reduction in US tourist arrivals to the region that is already so heavily dependent on global goodwill and open markets. This sends a chilling message not only to travellers but more pointedly, to investors, too.

If the region doesn’t prepare itself with urgency and speak with one voice, then we risk becoming collateral damage in a geopolitical battle we did not choose.

A. L.

Graduate Student

The University of the

West Indies, Mona