By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Dr. Mark Kirton, Director of the Centre for International and Border Studies, has called on member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to adopt a unified and strategic position in light of recent United States military strikes in Venezuela.
Drawing on his expertise in international relations, Dr. Kirton warned that the unfolding situation has serious implications for the Caribbean, particularly for regional integration, trade, tourism, and energy security. He stressed that moments of geopolitical instability demand cohesion and clarity of purpose from regional leaders.
According to Dr. Kirton, the strikes represent a violation of international law and an assault on national sovereignty, circumstances which should prompt CARICOM to reassess its collective integration framework and diplomatic posture. He noted that the region must also examine alternative approaches to energy security and economic cooperation, especially as traditional arrangements such as PetroCaribe face increasing uncertainty.
The military action, which reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has triggered strong reactions internationally. Several global powers and regional governments have issued condemnations, warning that such actions undermine established principles of sovereignty and non-intervention.
Political analysts have cautioned that, if not resolved through diplomacy, the situation could have far-reaching consequences across the Western Hemisphere, with small island developing states in the Caribbean being particularly vulnerable to economic and security shocks.
Despite longstanding challenges within CARICOM, including periods of disunity and internal disagreement, Dr. Kirton urged leaders to rise above divisions and adopt a mature, multilateral approach in responding to the crisis.
He emphasized that adversarial global developments require fresh thinking and innovative solutions that prioritize the interests of Caribbean people. In particular, he pointed to the potential impact on tourism, noting that any disruption to airspace and maritime confidence during the peak travel season could significantly affect foreign exchange earnings for Eastern Caribbean states.
Dr. Kirton also highlighted concerns for countries heavily dependent on oil and warned of possible disruptions to intra-regional and extra-regional trade if geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.
He concluded that the current moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for CARICOM to demonstrate unity, leadership, and relevance on the international stage, asserting that a coordinated regional response is essential to safeguarding Caribbean sovereignty and economic stability.
