THE CARIBBEAN AND THE US: DELICATE DIPLOMATIC DANCES

A growing debate about the current state of relations between the Caribbean (especially several members of CARICOM (Caribbean Community)) and the United States has been stepped up a notch by recent comments from former Jamaican prime minister Bruce Golding.

In an address to a Jamaican organisation in the United States, Mr Golding, who led a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government from 2007 to 2011, lamented what’s seen as a hardline policy being adopted by the US Trump administration toward several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica.

These have ranged from the imposition of increased trade tariffs and visa restrictions to diplomatic pressure over relations with Cuba and China, and a recent spate of fatal naval attacks on vessels in Caribbean waters deemed by the US to be trafficking in drugs.

According to Mr Golding, “Dictating to us who we do business with is not friendship. Forcing us to accept foreign deportees when we are struggling to look after our own people is not friendship. True friends don’t abuse your friendship. They don’t make unreasonable demands on you. They should be there to help you out. Holding a gun to your head and insisting that you must be reasonable and do things their way is not friendship. The United States has put us under severe strain. That’s not what friends are.”

The ex-prime minister, who has retired from active party politics, also remarked that “When Caribbean governments adopt a measured, cautious approach to America’s bullying tactics, it is because they understand the pickle they’rein. Make a wrong move, defiantly defend the Cuban assistance programmes and our partnership with China, and they pay a price.”

Mr Golding’s comments come as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has written to the Trump government seeking dialogue over the imposition of what his government considers a hardline approach by the US against his government and others.

Specific to Antigua and Barbuda - along with Grenada, Dominica, Cuba, and St Lucia - the US has slapped a tightened visa policy requiring an increased bond payment of up to US$20,000 for business and tourist travel.

The American government cites persistent violations of its immigration rules by nationals of those countries, including overstaying, criminal activity, and security and vetting concerns.

A statement from the Antigua and Barbuda embassy in Washington, DC on August 2nd reports that the government has initiated two further diplomatic representations to the Government of the United States following the publication by the United States Department of State of the Final Rule establishing a permanent Visa Bond Program.

It said Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to President Donald J. Trump “requesting that he direct a review of the restrictions currently affecting nationals of Antigua and Barbuda under Presidential Proclamation 10998, the related visa measures, and the newly established Visa Bond Program.”

According to the Antigua and Barbuda government, it has pointed out that it has responded positively and constructively to concerns raised by the US.

“The Government’s objective is not confrontation,” it quoted Prime Minister Browne as stating. “It is to ensure that decisions affecting the people of Antigua and Barbuda are based upon accurate information and upon the substantial steps our country has taken in close cooperation with the United States to address every legitimate concern that has been raised. We believe the time is now right for a review.”

On the other hand, in less diplomatic tones, former Jamaica leader Bruce Golding has warned that the region’s sovereignty is under siege with what’s seen as divide and rule tactics.

“Our individual sovereignty and regional leverage are under siege. It is now every man for himself, every country on its own,” he warned, but added, “I will continue to voice my concerns as to how America’s dictates affect Jamaica and impair the hopes and aspirations of our people.”

Meanwhile, while tensions seem apparent between some Caribbean countries and the United States, others, such as Trinidad and Tobago, appear to be having a different experience.

On August 7th, the US Embassy in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, reported that it was stepping up its military cooperation with that CARICOM member state.

It said the bilateral relations between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago on security cooperation have been further strengthened.

As explained by the embassy, the purpose-built joint task force will synchronise U.S. military operations alongside trusted Caribbean and Latin American allies, like Trinidad and Tobago, to counter transnational criminal networks, enhance regional maritime interdiction, and respond rapidly to humanitarian crises.

U.S. Embassy Port of Spain Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern said, “Trinidad and Tobago remains a vital regional partner in confronting complex security challenges that threaten our shared stability. Through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and SOUTHCOM’s new Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, we are deepening our cooperation to disrupt criminal networks, safeguard critical maritime routes, and ensure a safer, more prosperous Caribbean.”

It also said that as part of this long-standing defence partnership, members of the U.S. military will continue to participate in joint training, capacity-building exercises, maritime interdiction coordination, and disaster response preparedness with Trinidad and Tobago.