In Jamaica, Obama seeks to reassert U.S. leadership in Caribbean

U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd R) is greeted by Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (C) as he arrives aboard Air Force One at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica April 8, 2015. Photo credit: Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd R) is greeted by Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (C) as he arrives aboard Air Force One at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica April 8, 2015. Photo credit: Reuters

President Barack Obama arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday to attend a Caribbean summit seeking to reassert U.S. leadership in the region at time when oil-producing Venezuela’s economic clout may be receding.

As the first U.S. president to visit Kingston since Ronald Reagan in 1982, Obama faces the challenge of convincing Caribbean island leaders that Washington is genuinely re-engaging after a long period of perceived neglect of its smaller, poorer neighbors.

Obama arrived in the middle of Jamaica’s Carnival week but will have little time to take in the revelry during a 24-hour visit expected to be dominated by discussions on energy, security and trade with the 15-member Caribbean Community, or Caricom.

Some analysts say a key reason why Washington is suddenly paying attention to the Caribbean Basin is that it wants to wean the islands off dependence on cut-rate Venezuelan oil that Caracas has long used to wield influence in the region.

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17 Comments

  1. April 10, 2015

    Talk and more talk…
    That’s all to it…

  2. home boy
    April 9, 2015

    social welfare is where i would like to see the U S play a part to help resurface our once good FARM roads that simple action would bring our farmers back to their farms. we have been told that farming is a has been activity how crazy of they and them to sat that

    • Tjebe fort
      April 10, 2015

      What about helping ourselves for once garcon? I’m tired of being called a Dominican and a beggar.

  3. Titiwi
    April 9, 2015

    Bondi, Roosevelt Skerrit not attending the Summit of the Americas like President Obama, after he leaves Jamaica? What is the matter with our man? He is sending Francine Baron instead? Did she travel to Jamaica with him to continue to Panama? That is a slap in the face of the Panama govt. Even Canada’s Premier Stephen Harper and his foreign Minister, Bob Nicholson will be there. So why Roosevelt can not go with Francine since they work so closely, she even wearing the trousers in that set-up. Even the Dutch P.M. Mark Rutte will be there, invited by the President of Panama himself, Juan Carlos Varela. I really have given up trying to understand our Roosevelt, honestly can not make sense out of him again. To say I’m disappointed in him is an understatement.

    • In the name of Jesus
      April 9, 2015

      He is afraid to antagonize his puppeteer, China.

  4. Lougawoo Mem
    April 9, 2015

    It is no secret that the United States demonstrates little interest in its back yard and takes the region, the Caribbean basin for granted. Then comes the reality check with the Chinese’s presence in the the region pumping $$millions that’s changing the status quo.

    According to an article “A New Day for U.S.-Caribbean Relations” dated 2013, ” The change in tone towards the Caribbean may best be illustrated by two separate passages from the vice president’s remarks. “I believe in international relations, as in any relationship, it comes down to respect. Do we respect one another? And do we show respect?” Biden asked. In closing, he stated, “We need you. And I hope you’ll find a place in your hearts, in your economies, in your quest for energy, in your quest for societalization of your economies that we can play a part with you.”

    Only time will judge and tell if the US is serious for change in the region. Let’s wait and see.

  5. Thorbjørn Jagland
    April 9, 2015

    wow portia what a nice pic

  6. jacey
    April 9, 2015

    Massacre , I fully support. The U.S has already assisted Dominica regarding Security. we now require assistance otherwise; Manufacturing etc. On another note, I do think that U.S. wants Venezuela to end its assistance to Caribbean Islands like ours. That’s my opinion, Please respect my opinion Dominicans critiques.

    • Massacre
      April 10, 2015

      Well yes Jacey, if the US will have it way Venezuala will not be a any power broker in the islands. But it has to show the will, power and determination to prove to us that it is serious about assitance. After all the amount of money the US give to NATO and Israel , donations to the islands would be a drop in the bucket.
      What it is , is that our caribbean leaders are so devided that they can’t even see the carrot when it’s danggling in front of their eyes. We need to appraoch the US in the same way that NATO is doing , collectively!

  7. fiji
    April 9, 2015

    >U.S influence in the region?
    since bloody when?

    • Ma Moses
      April 10, 2015

      You are asking about U.S. influence in the region? Just look at how our own money is tied to the U.S.$. and that will give you an answer for a start. Even mighty Venezuela wants U.S. Dollars and not its own Bolivars, Cuba want U.S.Dollars and not its own Peso. |It may not be how we like it but it is a fact nonetheless.

  8. Massacre
    April 9, 2015

    It is about time the US take back the lead in being the Islands main supporter. More so in an economic sense than any where else. I do not think much money should be spent on security. WE are ot a threat on the international stage.
    Spend the money on industries, marketing and infrastructure.

    • forreal
      April 9, 2015

      take back what,give us cheaper gas prices than Venezuela?obma will soon be out of office,as soon as he goes,everything he has done,will be undone,are you deaf?

    • Music Producer
      April 9, 2015

      Did you not know that some parts of California has ran out of water…and the Chinese are taking over…so they have to come get their share of the pie…it’s bout time my @ss! You and people who think like you are so freaking blind… :-|

  9. Catarina
    April 9, 2015

    Smoke a little ting while you are in JA and free up yourself we love you God speed ☺️

  10. Cyrique
    April 9, 2015

    Obama is blessed!! One thing I know and that is our PM will be batting for Dominica!! We in it!!!

    • Tjebe fort
      April 10, 2015

      You are talking double talk. That is why Skerrit had to put himself on the election billboard with Obama? To make himself look big and tall? Skerrit is just a pretender and all for himself.

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