Until recently, White House policies toward the Caribbean still reflected remnants of the U.S./U.S.S.R. Cold War geopolitics, which focused on U.S. national security. However, things have changed with the Biden Administration, undoubtedly because Washington realized that the U.S. is not the only player in the region due to China’s presence.
The U.S. is now committed to fostering stronger ties and collaborative efforts across key sectors in the Caribbean crucial for shared growth and development. Important issues such as climate change, energy transition, and food security are receiving more attention. The list of high-level visitors, including Vice President Harris, Secretary of State Blinken, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, and Governor Bryan, among others, indicates that the U.S. is now walking the talk instead of Obama’s unfulfilled promises, or Trump’s total disengagement.
Still begging for attention are the U.S. withdrawal of corresponding banking relationships with the region, creating a significant threat to our economies; the illegal trade of drugs due to a huge appetite for drugs in the U.S., and the illegal export of small firearms, which, thanks to the powerful U.S. Firearm Industry Trade Association, continue to fuel violence not only in Haiti but also in formerly peaceful countries like the Bahamas and Chile.
I see opportunity for Curaçao. The announced expansion of the U.S. Consulate General suggests a potential deepening of the relationship with the U.S. However, Curaçao must be more proactive. We must ensure that programs like the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 and other significant U.S. initiatives are accessible not only to CARICOM and independent countries in the region but also to Curaçao. It’s crucial to be included in events like the Summit of the Americas and to break free from relative isolation in our own neighborhood.
A plan is necessary as we cannot afford to stay sidelined. Engagement with the U.S. Consul General, who’s already involved with issues such as human rights and climate, is imperative. Also necessary is more presence of the U.S. with locals. The 4th of July festivities, mainly for the local elites, should continue, but so should town hall meetings and other types of activities that become a way to “directly talk to folks.”
A continuation of the Biden Caribbean policy, or even a more engaging policy, will lead to a strengthened relationship and new initiatives that will positively impact Curaçao and our neighbors.
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Alex David Rosaria Blog 