Caribbean leaders urged to strengthen resilience amid US policy shifts

Caribbean countries are being urged to come together and build regional resilience in response to significant shifts in United States policy under President Donald Trump’s new administration.

The call came as Caribbean leaders, diplomats, and scholars convened virtually at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Forum on Tuesday, to discuss strategies for strengthening the region.

The forum, streamed via UWItv, featured renowned experts, including Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, Professor W. Andy Knight of the University of Alberta, and Ambassador Wayne McCook, CARICOM assistant secretary-general.

The panel explored the evolving geopolitical landscape and advocated for a coordinated Caribbean approach to US policy changes that are already having global impact.

‘New two-step’

Organised by the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s Office in partnership with the University Office of Academic-Industry Partnerships and Planning, the event opened with remarks from Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Justin Robinson and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs Sandrea Maynard, who also moderated the discussion.

Professor Robinson underscored the Caribbean’s historical agility in navigating global shifts.

“We’ve had to dance with colonial rulers, tango with economic downturns, and now we must learn a new two-step with policies that may affect everything from trade to security,” he remarked, urging proactive dialogue to build resilience.

Maynard set the tone by highlighting critical focus areas: economic and trade relations, security and immigration, and multilateral diplomacy. She invited panellists to pinpoint US policies likely to impact the Caribbean’s economies and societies.

Professor Sachs described the new Trump administration’s foreign policy as “neo-imperialism”, marked by a push for US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. He warned of challenges stemming from anti-migrant sentiments and protectionist trade policies, advocating for unity within CARICOM and stronger regional diplomacy through Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

Ambassador McCook emphasised the risks posed by US trade policy shifts, particularly the strategic use of tariffs and bilateral agreements. He stressed the importance of Caribbean nations analysing their exposure to these changes, advocating for a robust internal CARICOM market to navigate potential trade disruptions.

Professor Knight examined the ‘America First’ strategy, linking it to a broader erosion of the post-World War II global order. He suggested this period of uncertainty offers the Caribbean an opportunity to diversify diplomatic strategies and reduce dependence on the United States, citing Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s approach as a model of resilience.

“Trump’s policies, while potentially causing short-term instability, also create openings for Caribbean nations to assert themselves on the global stage and build a more equitable regional order,” Professor Knight said.

Throughout the discussion, experts agreed that the Caribbean’s future lies in adaptability, unity, and assertive engagement on the global stage, to build a prosperous and resilient regional order.