The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has come out strongly against recently imposed United States (U.S.) tariffs on Caribbean goods, calling them a threat to regional economic stability and a stark reminder of the vulnerability of small states in the global economic system. In a sharply worded statement released Monday, the WPA also took direct aim at the Guyana government, accusing it of “slavishly trading sovereignty in exchange for regime survival.”
The U.S. tariffs, which reportedly include some of the steepest penalties on Guyanese exports, have sparked concern throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The WPA has aligned itself with regional leaders in condemning the move, arguing that tariffs represent an outdated and harmful approach to global trade.
“Tariffs as a major form of economic policy are counter-productive to the spirit of free and equitable trade,” the WPA said. “They are bound to trigger trade wars, even among allies.”
The group warned of a domino effect across the region’s economies, with small and medium-sized businesses facing mounting pressures, private sector jobs at risk, and consumer prices expected to rise sharply. The party also raised concerns about the indirect impact on remittances from the diaspora, which may decline as working-class Americans grapple with inflation.
Government Caught “Unprepared”
While the WPA stopped short of blaming the Guyana government for Washington’s decision, it issued a scathing critique of the administration’s response—or lack thereof.
“It was too busy unnecessarily groveling to notice what was coming,” the party declared.
According to the WPA, it is a cruel irony that Guyana, a nation described as “most pliant to foreign interests,” has been hit hardest by the very government it has so loyally supported.
Sovereignty for Sale?
The party’s harshest words were reserved for what it sees as the ruling People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) transactional relationship with the U.S. It alleged that Guyana’s sovereignty has been effectively traded for Washington’s diplomatic support—particularly in the context of the longstanding border controversy with Venezuela and the PPP’s own political longevity.
“To slavishly trade sovereignty in exchange for regime survival, as the PPP has done, is morally and politically obscene,” the WPA charged. “The PPP government should hang its head in shame.”
Despite these criticisms, the WPA emphasised it is not opposed to strong Guyana-U.S. relations. On the contrary, it advocates for close ties—provided they are rooted in mutual respect.
“Should the WPA be part of government, it would pursue strong ties with the USA… even as we acknowledge the imbalance in economic and military power.”
Call for Regional Unity
The WPA concluded its statement by expressing doubt in the Guyanese government’s ability to resolve the tariff issue through bilateral engagement and called instead for a united CARICOM approach to Washington.
“We either swim together or suffer separately,” the party warned, invoking regional solidarity as the best path forward, much like CARICOM’s collective stance in support of Cuban health workers in previous years.
The call comes amid rising public and private anxiety over the implications of the tariffs, with economists and business leaders now urging both national and regional leaders to push for immediate dialogue with U.S. counterparts.
