Unity, Our defence against external threat!
LAST FRIDAY’S VISIT to our country by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada during which he held official discussions with his Vincentian counterpart Dr Godwin Friday, was no mere “good neighbourly visit”, it was an essential part of the response of these tiny Eastern Caribbean islands to unprecedented external threats.
Although official reports on the content and conclusions of those discussions have not been made public, the context in which they took place cannot be ignored.
Never in the post-independence history of these islands has there been such multiple pressure being brought to bear on these states by their powerful neighbour to the north, not even when the terrifying US military invaded tiny Grenada in 1983.
Having whetted its appetite with a treacherous violation of the sovereignty of Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President and his wife, the aggressive US administration has openly proclaimed what is now called the “Donroe Doctrine” openly asserting that its might demands subservience to its dictates in the western hemisphere. Not only are Caribbean states expected to not voice independent opinions on the Venezuela operation, but a host of non-military measures are being employed to not only pressure but humiliate OECS nations.
Using the excuse of the selling of passports by some nations under the so-called CBI programme, steps have been taken to significantly reduce access by nationals of these states to US visas. In addition, travel warnings have been officially issued which are already having negative effects of tourism in the Eastern Caribbean.
Not satisfied with these measures, the US administration has decided to pour the proverbial salt on the economic wounds. One by one the states- Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Kitts/Nevis have been forced to sign “agreements” with the USA to accept US deportees.
Interestingly, St Kitts/Nevis currently holds the Chairmanship of CARICOM. Could you imagine our mini states with a combined population of 2280 square miles, being forced to take deportees from a country more than 1600 times our combined size?
In addition to the obvious humiliation, much more is attached in foreign policy terms. Antigua has surrendered to US pressures by ending its programme of health cooperation with Cuba, sending back Cuban health personnel who have made such a valuable contribution to the health services there, and St Kitts/ Nevis has reneged on the cooperation programme concerning Haitian refugees.
Interestingly, our country which under the previous administration staunchly opposed the CBI programme to which the current government is committed, seems to be cruising below the radar. But for those who are narrowly fixed on partisan politics, let there be no illusions. There have been reports that PM Mitchell visited Opposition Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves -a photo of them both along with the wife of Dr. Gonsalves lends authenticity to these reports- This can only be a positive sign for our region.
Dr Gonsalves is a vastly experienced politician who, whatever his recent electoral failings, still has a lot to offer our country and region. As we attempt to defend our sovereignty, it is important that we get all on board.
Yes, we will have differences politically, but these pale into insignificance where the external threats are concerned. Every national resource, and regional ones as well, must be employed to defend our sovereignty, dignity and right to make our own decisions.
The November 27 elections are behind us now. We must adapt to the dangerous ‘Donroe Doctrine’. Unity is our essential requirement.
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