Caribbean Peace Under Threat, Urgent Need for Unity- Lewis

By Mark DaCosta- According to an analysis by veteran trade unionist Lincoln Lewis, as tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela, Caribbean nations find themselves at a critical crossroads that could jeopardise the long-standing peace of the region, an idea that has been cherished for generations. The urgency for leadership and solidarity among Caribbean states has never been more pronounced, particularly in light of the fragmented responses from regional leaders to this escalating crisis. With the ties of our nations interwoven, what threatens one affects us all.

Historically, the Caribbean Sea has symbolised a sanctuary of peace, a status achieved through deliberate choices made by its leaders and peoples, who remember the past struggles for independence and sovereignty. Yet, says Lewis, a troubling disunity amongst Caribbean leadership is surfacing at a time when a collective voice is essential.

While Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda articulately asserts that the Caribbean must remain a Zone of Peace, President Irfaan Ali’s stance raises alarm. He seems to advocate for a balance between endorsing this tranquillity and combating transnational crime, a precarious line that may invite unwarranted external military presence into our waters.

Reports indicate the presence of U.S. warships operating under the guise of anti-crime measures, even as Caribbean nations are left questioning the rationale behind such military maneuvers in their home territory.

“Just as the Americans have been calling for evidence to justify their actions, it is not unreasonable for those directly affected to demand the same standard of evidence,” Lincoln Lewis highlights, underlining the growing concern among our people who wish to know their leaders’ true positions amid foreign interventions.

The divergence in public statements from various leaders fosters a climate of uncertainty. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has boldly remarked that the notion of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace may now be a “false ideal,” posing the question: ‘who defines the essence of peace within our region? Is it guided by the whims of Washington, or should it rather be carved by the people of our nations through their own governments?”

Lewis asserted that mixed messages only serve to create confusion and vulnerability. When some leaders advocate peace while others invite foreign military might into our backyard, it signals a divided region that is susceptible to exploitation. This disarray echoes historical precedents, such as the foreign intervention during the Grenadian crisis, which still casts long shadows over our collective memory. The Caribbean cannot afford to repeat such mistakes; the scars from past divisions are reminders of the costly price of allowing external powers to dictate our fate.

As well as invoking memories of Guyana’s former Prime Minister Forbes Burnham’s policy of non-alignment, the present situation demands our leaders to embody strength and purpose. Silence is no longer a viable option. It is imperative for Caribbean heads of government to convene and form a consensus on a clear strategy regarding foreign military presence and regional security. The question remains: what proactive measures will be adopted to ensure the protection of our territories and upholding of international law?

The stakes are high, says the veteran trade unionist,  and the ramifications of inaction are dire. The people of our country must not live in fear of collateral damage from geopolitical conflicts initiated by others. Unity and a resolute stance are paramount. As Lewis poignantly states, “Our sovereignty should never be up for debate,” a sentiment that resonates strongly in light of the current global climate.

The future of the Caribbean must be steered by our hands, with a resolute voice that resonates beyond our shores. It is time for all leaders to prioritise the collective interest of the Caribbean, fostering a space where our rights and sovereignty remain inviolable and our promise of peace is not just an ideal but a reality that we defend together. The time for action is now, for the sake of our people’s safety and the legacy we leave for generations to come.