Venezuela, CARICOM, SVG and the ‘Donroe’ Doctrine

Following the illegal violation of the sovereignty of Venezuela by the armed forces of the USA, there has been an even more dangerous escalation of the situation, not in a physical sense, but in a doctrine about global domination as espoused by the political leadership of the aggressor state.

In a public gloating about the success of the January, 3 2026 aggression against Venezuela and the kidnapping of its leadership, the President of the United States rehashed and regurgitated a doctrine dating back to 1823 under which the USA proclaimed its “right” to domination in the western hemisphere which it described as its “sphere of influence”. That doctrine was spelt out by then US President William Monroe, after whom it was named.

Just over two centuries later the current US President not only insisted on his country’s right to what Monroe then termed “Manifest Destiny” but went on to extend it to his country’s right to global domination. This latest version has already been dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine” by some commentators, using the first three letters of the name of the current American President.

Under this document as enunciated, the military might of the USA gives it a right to trample on all international laws and the sovereignty of nations in pursuit of what is defined as its strategic interests. Yes, we live in a world of differing political, ideological and economic interests but what makes the interests of one state, and particular classes within it, take preference to the interests of all others? Where do the interests of small states like ours stand in such a hierarchy?

The violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and the brazen kidnapping of its leader is not just a matter for that country or its government. It has profound implications for our tiny Caribbean states, militarily helpless in such circumstances. Even the United Nations, the global body set up for the governance of the World Order, seems powerless to do anything about this 21st century version of the imperialist plunder which led to subjugation, colonialism and slavery, still painful blotches on our historical experience.

In furtherance of this doctrine small Caribbean states are being pressured by immigration restrictions and are now being forced to send home Cuban medical personnel who have given us invaluable service these years while absurdly accepting US deportees not from their countries. Where will this end?

The political leadership of the Caribbean Community- CARICOM- has twice made statements reflecting not just the grave concern of the Caribbean people. Most worryingly though, is the sense of helplessness emanating from the pronouncements and the lack or urgency in neglecting to have an emergency meeting now, preferring the scheduled end of February gathering. Who knows, by that date, the Caribbean, Greenland, Venezuela and all may well have been decreed to be under US tutelage.

Most worryingly, the response of the influential sectors of Caribbean society seem to be accepting this dangerous “donroe doctrine”. It makes a huge difference between intellectualising on such grave matters and insisting, whatever our size, that we have as much right as any other people to our own place on planet Earth. The late Grenadian patriot Maurice Bishop, had famously insisted that “We are in nobody’s backyard”.

That principle must be espoused and upheld by all sectors of our societies. We do have our own internal political differences and preferences, but it is important that we stand united behind our leaders to defend our “inalienable rights”. We have a new and inexperienced government, but it must be supported and encouraged to defend our rights. All sectors of our society must let our views be heard and through our government, those of the people of the Caribbean community. Our very existence is threatened.