(GIS Barbados)- Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has cautioned that escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States could place the southern Caribbean at disproportionate risk.
She issued the warning while addressing the United Nations General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York, condemning what she described as a “shocking violation of a hemispheric understanding that the Caribbean be treated as a zone of peace”.
“There has been a build-up in military assets in the last few weeks in the Caribbean by both sides, by the United States of America and by Venezuela. We believe that any such build-up could occasion just an accident and, if it does, a simple accident can put the southern Caribbean at disproportionate risk,” Ms. Mottley cautioned.
The Prime Minister added: “I say simply for all who can hear and for all who read and can listen – full respect for the territorial integrity of each and every state in the Caribbean must be respected, and that includes all states. Almost all wars end as a result of dialogue. Let us make a greater effort to have the necessary conversations to prevent war. It is too simple.”
Turning to other global crises, Ms. Mottley drew attention to the humanitarian disasters in Gaza and Sudan. She reminded the international community of the “horror” unfolding in Gaza, describing the ongoing “genocide and destruction” there and in Sudan.
In this context, she urged countries to provide immediate funding to support the children of both regions, citing UNICEF’s estimates of US$66 million for Gaza and US$200 million for Sudan over the next three months to reverse or mitigate famine and to ensure water, sanitation, and health interventions.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the ongoing crisis in Haiti, noting that the UN Security Council and the international development system had the necessary resources and authority to respond effectively.
She further emphasized the need for dialogue with the United States “on the inescapable issue” of the flow of small arms and light weapons throughout the hemisphere.
Ms. Mottley reiterated her call for an end to the embargo on Cuba and also raised concern about the destabilising impact of the spread of fake news.
