British Prime Minister David Cameron’s first visit to the Caribbean last month and the first bilateral visit by a British prime minister for 14 years delivered one clear and simple message – we would both benefit from a stronger and deeper relationship.
“Britain can help Caribbean countries on their path of development – lifting people out of poverty, increasing economic growth, trade and security, and creating opportunities for young generations,” he said.
Cameron announced a £360 million (US$550 million) economic development package for the Caribbean, which will provide grants for infrastructure projects featuring:
– £300 million for a new UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund to build new ports, roads and bridges to boost trade and growth;
– £30 million to make health facilities more resistant to natural disaster;
– £30 million for new programmes to support economic growth:
– A doubling of UK Chevening Scholarships for the Caribbean and enhanced support in the fight against serious and organized crime in the region and measures to improve the country’s criminal justice system.
Cameron said, “Britain’s close relationship with the Caribbean and our new support will help boost growth and kick-start economic recovery across the region as well as creating important trade and investment opportunities for the UK. Our relationship should be based on the countries we are today and the opportunities we can generate together, rather than over-relying on the historical ties of the past. Britain wants to be your partner for the future, your partner of choice and I hope my visit can be the start of that.”
The British have come to realize how China has increased its influence in the Caribbean with aggressive bilateral relations, pursuing investments of more than US$1.3 billion in the region’s resource industry, building roads, hospitals, airports, and hotels with plans to invest in trans-shipment ports, in addition to a US$1 billion loan to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with the hope to improve the day-to-day life of the people.
At the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago in April 2009, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promoted a strong partnership between the United States and Caribbean countries on common issues ranging from security, fostering economic prosperity and addressing climate change.
Secretary Clinton also launched the Caribbean Idea Marketplace Initiative – a business competition platform aimed at fostering collaboration between local and global Caribbean diaspora entrepreneurs to develop and expand innovative projects that will generate employment and economic growth.
In May 2013, Vice President Biden traveled to Trinidad and Tobago, where he met with President Carmona and then Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and participated in a meeting and working lunch with a number of other Caribbean leaders discussing regional efforts to promote economic growth, citizen security and energy, among other issues.
During that visit, Vice President Biden reminded participants of the 2009 Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and said, “That’s why, even in a time of tight budgets in my country, we’re increasing our investment, which already stands at over $200 million.”
An MOU with Trinidad and Tobago to launch a renewable energy research centre there for the Caribbean was signed to promote clean technologies and energy efficiencies throughout the Caribbean.
At the Summit of the Americas in April 2015, President Obama said, “I believed that our nations had to break free from the old arguments, the old grievances that had too often trapped us in the past, that we had a shared responsibility to look to the future and to think and act in fresh ways. I pledged to build a new era of cooperation between our countries, as equal partners, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. What we need is for a common agenda for the shared progress… these priorities fall into three broad categories. They include the building blocks of shared prosperity – education, innovation, trade, investment. They include energy and environmental security. And they include reconciliation and strengthening democratic and inter-American institutions across the board.”
At that meeting, Secretary of State John Kerr, seeking to lay the building blocks of shared prosperity, said, “To succeed, we must do more to empower the people of our hemisphere with education, technology, open governance, and innovation. And that is exactly what we’re trying to do. If our goal is to reduce poverty, which it is; to further expand the middle class, which it is; to help families build a better life for their children; which it is; to offer the alternatives to crime and violence, narcotics, and so forth; the answer is pretty simple. We need to not only educate; we need to innovate. And that means doing more to help small businesses promote jobs and tap into the global economy.”
Secretary Kerry conveyed confidence that the United States’ commitment to a new kind of relationship with the region will contribute significantly to the common agenda for the hemisphere, which includes the strengthening of democracy and the respect for human rights.
“Why does this matter?” he asked. “Well, it matters because countries are far more likely to advance economically and socially when citizens have faith in their governments and are able to rely on them for justice and equal treatment under the law. It matters because young people who have opportunities at home will stay and contribute to their societies instead of leaving in search of better luck elsewhere. It matters because freedom of thought and expression are the keys to innovation, which is how whole new industries begin. It matters because, in that most curious of ways, people who are given the liberty to be different are also the ones most likely to unite and band together in the face of shared threats.”
That said, working together in a changing world means that deeds must follow words for success in an interagency approach that combines the three Ds: diplomacy, defence, and development. The importance of this is strategic to development, and the management of risk factors; a central role in bridging regional stability and bringing the southern hemisphere to a free and secure flow of trade.
This is made more acute with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement(TPP), which, though encouraging, is fraught with emotional intensity. The onward discussion will centre on creating the jobs of the future, to capture people’s imagination with quality and dependability that will reshape established norms.
Exploring the notion that the United States is committed to maintaining geo-political dominance in the region is a familiar exercise, not without tradition. But the mere expression of that idea is no longer an efficacious strategy. A permanent change has to take place in order to re-establish the underlying strength in the region of the 1970s.
The success of this must be geared not just to complement the British or counter the Chinese with flashback techniques, psychological operations to win over old positions and stop the slippery slope of erosion of the three Ds: diplomacy, defence, and development.
The impetus must advance from the hypothetical to become reality, with high level socio-economic proposals, reflecting unquestioning commitment to the region’s people and the American people.
The reality must operate to lift people out of poverty to a decent life, away from the fear of violence, the economic deprivation of money laundering, drug and human trafficking, coupled with the arrogance of Marxist idealists and religious zealots that threatens the region.
Therefore, it goes without saying that, in this new age, the US must with a greater degree of urgency step up to the plate in a tangible manner with hands-on implementation of initiatives already proposed and others in development stages – consistent with present day reality. In addition, policy cooperation with reliable partners is important to establish special relationships and trust to recalibrate initiatives for the next generation.
In a reversal of attitudes, renewal has been forthcoming in a meaningful way from the UK and China. A solid US strategic action plan and policy initiative will have to sow seeds that germinate in Caribbean soil in the defence of its own security. And so, both executive and legislative branches of the US government ought to review the country’s policy goals and objectives and convert that to real achievements in the interest of improving bilateral relations.
Mindful of a reversal of fortunes, regional governments will have to redouble political and economic leadership and reboot a mixed international image of diplomacy and disjointed policy/strategy that has not been rooted in the aspirations of the people and the region as sovereign states, economic, socially and environmentally, in order to usher in future economic success.
The region can defy the odds for real change if there’s strong and effective collaboration on political and economic integration in order to enhance the region’s strategic importance, in a manner that is principled and economically sound.
US foreign policy in the Caribbean region needs to come alive, take action and reshape accepted wisdom as a world power should.
Melanius Alphonse is a management and development consultant based in St. Lucia. He is an advocate for community development, social justice, economic freedom and equality; the Lucian People’s Movement (LPM) www.lpmstlucia.com critic on youth initiative, infrastructure, economic and business development. He can be reached at [email protected]
It was President Bill Clinton with Chiquita who opposed the preferential treatment the A.C.P.was enjoying on the European Market.So Clinton brought his case before the WTO and the decision was no special treatment for the African Caribbean and Pacific countries.
Emile Zapatos can a farmer from DA who cultivates a little 4 acre competes with a company from the U.S.who owns a 1000 acre banana plantation in el Salvador.?
Bill Clinton argument was if you cannot compete get out from the market,he wanted an even playing field. And for that, he gave us the CBI (Caribbean Basin Initiative).Now how many schools were built,new feeder roads or anything of importance because of CBI.?
Mr. Alphonse is entitled to speak on behalf o his own country of residence, St. Lucia but he cannot feign ignorance with regard to Dominica.
On 21 June 2912 in Brazil, Mr.Roosevelt Skerrit, the only Caricom Prime Minister do to so, signed a resolution of the Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance (ALBA), calling for the immediate withdrawal of USAID from member countries.
Certainly , in Domina’s case it is not realistic to expect the U.S.A. to be forthcoming with aid to a country where it is not wanted.
There is no reference to this historic fact in Mr. Alphonse’s expose and the reader is left to draw his/her own conclusion.
i do not know which resolution you read,but the one we all know dominica was not a signitory,but one thing I can surly see,is America seem very keen on Venezuela,and it lives me to wonder why,the other Caribbean islands beside Trinidad do not produce oil,so hear is a little thought for your attempt at writing this none factual crap.
The US foreign policy is simple. They will hover over the Caribbean for security reasons according to the Monroe Doctrine. As far as they are concern we are in Britain sphere of interest. Now that China is interested in the Caribbean, Britain is prompted to resuscitate her influence witch was ignored when we became independent. Britain and the USA are always partners in crime.
The British have always had a greater presence in the region due to their colonization of most of the countries in the region, and the provision of over £360 million (US$550 million) in development assistance is not just an opportunity to regain grounds lost to the Chinese but to serve as a diversion of the more critical issue of REPARATIONS which if pursued will cost European Colonizers billions of dollars… We all know the Americans contribution to the region especially in regards to economic opportunities that tourism brings to the region… no where else has either directly or indirectly contributed to the economic well being of the region as the USA and despite a down turn in US Aid, a contracting US economy has far greater negative impact on us than does the Chinese when their economy bellyaches… So good article but there is more to it that meets the eyes… Cheers
Very Interesting commentary by St Lucian, Melanius Alphonse. I think the US presence in the Caribbean will continue to be felt for a very long time because of our proximity to the US mainland and the impact of their presence over the years and the impact of the Caribbean diaspora community in north America and western Europe in particular. While we some times do not admit it the bulk of our tourism trade continues to originate in North America; The United States of America being the major source market followed by Canada for many islands. Western European tourists also produces good opportunities for the region. While the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has contributed in recent times, mainly to infrastructural developments, lack of visitation by Chinese visitors is not much of critical issue for the every day citizen whose bread and butter depends on the tourist dollar.
What about taking 2000 from Coulibistrie,Colihaut and Petite Savanne.He is more sympathetic to muslims who want to decapitate Americans even those of the same religion. Don’t get me wrong I am not saying all muslims are terrorist,no no.
We are going to vote for a president next year,I am putting you on guard, there will be many even in Dominica that will say.Vote for Hilary Clinton.( if she is the nominee on the democratic side)I also know we are so quick to forget, it was her husband Bill Clinton who destroyed our banana industry.But as it is said “Dominicans have memory of a fowl.”
It was not Bill Clinton who destroyed our banana. We did it ourselves when we allowed a radical to kick out Geest Indisties then tell us to plant peppers. No Dominicans do not have ” the memory of fowls” What we have is a lot of people who get their kicks from misinformation.
It was not Bill Clinton who destroyed our bananas. It was ourselves who followed a radical fellow who kicked out Geest Industry then tell us to plant peppers. But he never planted even one single pepper tree.
@J John Charles…..It was not Bill Clinton who destroyed our bananas, it was this radical fellow who kicked out Geest Industries and told us to destroy our fields and plant peppers. We followed him blindly. He himself never planted one banana tree or a single pepper tree.
When we learn this saying,”Donkey have no part in horse race.” Then we will know the ans.When Obama through his Arab Spring orchestrated the removal of Gaddafi, It was an official of the DLP(Once candidate 4 R.north) who opened his mouth against Obama.When the leader of Venezuela was making noise about the US meddling in his country.The other leaders in Caricom said nothing, but Skerrit who wanted Obama 2 know that he is against him.
Where’s the US? Ask people like Dr.Thompson F (UWP).who asked us to vote for Obama because he will be good 4 the Caribbean.Ask the Dominicans in the U.S. who voting 4 him,they said he is black and democrats are 4 blacks.If democrats really love blacks Obama in 3 days could have a ship loaded with food,emergency shelters together with health personnel ,but no.Obama and John Kerry want to bring in the US over 200.000 muslims maybe a few none muslims among.What about taking 2000 from
I believe this time it is for real, have some faith.
The US only comes in a territory to protect its interest. The Eastern Caribbean has too little resources to whet US appetite or challenge her in her backyard. She has nothing to gain from helping us unless to stop Caribbean drug lords from gaining control of her profitable drug empire. She wants us divided and poor, running to her as cheap workers for her industries. She controls our minds to the extent that some of us ultimate goal of self actualization is to be Americans: We walk, talk, eat, dance and dress like Americans. We love the barrel economy US sends our way through relatives, and the little food and cloth condition us to expect more. The ‘British’ are coming back home in great number to live and build, Do you see the ‘Americans’ coming home to retire?
Agree
We can’t approach the USA as individual islands. That approach isnot going to work. We have nothing to offer but collectively as one Caricom we can acheive much more
Nigel, what have we got to of offer collectively? Oil from Trinidad & Tobago? (yes, perhaps natural gas but the U.S.A. is producing that too). So tell me again. Criminals perhaps? The U.K. has just donated a lot of money to Jamaica to build a jail so they can keep their criminals at home instead of having the U.K. having to pay for their upkeep. I eagerly await your reply.
Where is the US?
…maybe drinking some bwa banday and getting ready to deal with Medard…. 
The US is not as stupid as some of you think.Where is the coastguard base that they Us gave money to bulb? Ask the Pm.If I give you money to build something and you didn’t, will I give you more?Think
Carcon, didn’t he give the U.S. ambassador two bottles of bwa bande rum to restore his manhood? Boy, that was priceless gift, not so?Ha,ha,ha.
never knew dominica was a u.s state..
It is so sad we are still slaves, after the British gave us independence we have done nothing for our selves, we remain proffesional beggers, all we know is Jesus and Government to take care of us. Who is going to rebuild Dominica , where are our Engineeres they are all worthless. The most dangerous poison i I Dominica is people who thinks that they are educated and think that they are achievers , they are just civil servants. Dominican are people who are afraid of risks. They don’t know how to divide their selves into into units and sacrifice . They get involve in meaningless activities, all I know time wasted is every bodys enemy. There is over $1 billion to rebuild Dominica how much of it going to Dominicans, thats sad. How many companys do we have to take advantage of the business ahead
Where is th 1 billion and when did we get 1 billion?????????????
Unless we eradicate politics and religion from our psyche, we will be eternal slaves because these are European systems that have been put in place to foster such.
NO APOLOGIES
Are you serious? Where is the US? Do you see oil, diamond or gold in Dominica? Fed up of supposedly smart people wasting time writing nonsense