The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is set to hold an online event to discuss how President Trump’s new policies may affect the Caribbean. This virtual forum, called “President Trump’s Great Policy Shift: How Does the Caribbean Respond?”, is slated for Tuesday, February 18, 2025. It starts at 11:00 AM for those in the Eastern Caribbean and 10:00 AM for those in Jamaica.
It will also be carried live on the UWItv website: www.uwitv.global.
Organized by The UWI’s Vice-Chancellor’s office, along with the University Office of Academic-Industry Partnerships and Planning, the event will fall under The UWI Vice Chancellor’s Forums series, established by Professor Sir Hillary Beckles in 2016.
In keeping with the aim of the series to bring together regional academics and experts to discuss and offer informed analysis, perspective, and context to important political, social, and economic developments in the region, it will feature a group of experts who will be discussing various aspects of Trump’s policies and their potential effects on the region.
They will be highlighting Economics and the trajectory of U.S. trade, tourism, and financial services in addition to the impact of U.S. immigration rules on Caribbean communities.
Other Issues: Military ties, security threats (i.e. the drug trade), and the Caribbean’s growing relationships with countries such as China and Russia.
The distinguished panel of experts includes:
– Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Economist and Public Policy Analyst
– Professor W. Andy Knight, Professor of International Relations at the University of Alberta
– Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General for CARICOM Single Market Trade
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, who serves as the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI), along with Professor Justin Robinson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Academic-Industry Partnerships and Planning, will present the initial comments to frame the conversation. The discussion will be facilitated and overseen by Ms. Sandrea Maynard, who holds the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs at UWI.
“The Caribbean has always been adept at adjusting to global shifts. We’ve had to dance with colonial rulers, tango with economic downturns, and now, it seems, learn a new two-step with U.S. policies that could affect everything from trade to security to our beloved diasporic communities in New York, Miami, and beyond.” He added, “the panellists are among the finest scholars, diplomats, and thinkers who will help us navigate the waters of Trump-era policies,” remarked Professor Justin Robinson.
Caribbean leaders should bypass Trump, the shadow president, and dialogue with Soon Musk, the bona fide president.
Those of you foo!s who gave Trump your overwhelming support you should stop the world from rotating and get to hell off. The whole world is in a tails
in and this is only the beginning. You were forewarned.
In the realm of bad leadership, ego reigns and empathy retreats. For suddenly dismissing tens of thousands of federal workers, for uprooting hundreds of thousands of immigrants, Trump has zero empathy and zero common sense. As countries disconnect, let’s watch as the world disintegrates.
The Caribbean countries have no influence to change the present trajectory of America’s destructive ways. We are like sitting ducks at the whims and fancies of two racially intolerant scoundrels.