By Antonio dey | hGP Nightly News |
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Caribbean, where diplomats and experts are debating whether his visit signals a “constructive reset” or a return to “big stick” diplomacy. Meanwhile, in Washington, domestic polling suggests growing public concern regarding the temperament of the U.S. executive. Here is your Tuesday evening news summary.
CARICOM: Ambassador Sanders Calls for Recalibration, Not Confrontation
As Marco Rubio prepares for pivotal talks with CARICOM leaders in St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday, the diplomatic community is calling for a measured approach.
- Strategic Alignment: Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S., emphasized that the relationship is “consequential” and binds the two regions through trade, security, and migration.
- The Goal: Sanders argues that the meeting should focus on renewing and rebalancing relations rather than testing first principles, especially as tensions mount over Washington’s hardened posture toward Cuba and Venezuela.
- Agenda: Key discussions will focus on regional security, migration management, and economic resilience, aimed at reaffirming U.S. commitment to hemispheric stability.
Experts Warn of “Big Stick” Tactics and Return to Colonialism
While diplomats call for reset, international relations experts are sounding the alarm over what they perceive as an increasingly aggressive U.S. foreign policy.
- Pressure over Cuba: Dr. Anthony Gonzales asserts that Rubio is utilizing the St. Kitts summit to pressure Caribbean nations for support against the Cuban administration.
- Military Rhetoric: Criminologist Dr. Daurius Figueira noted a “reversal” of long-standing diplomatic norms, suggesting the U.S. is increasingly leaning on the threat of military force to determine outcomes in the region.
- Neutrality Matters: Dr. Gonzales urged Trinidad and Tobago and other CARICOM members to maintain a neutral stance, warning that the current U.S. trajectory—which he described as a form of “American domination”—must be approached with extreme caution.
International: Poll Finds Most Americans Describe President as “Erratic with Age”
On the eve of his State of the Union address, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed significant public concern regarding President Donald Trump’s recent conduct.
- The Numbers: 61% of respondents described the 79-year-old president as having “become erratic with age.”
- Partisan Breakdown: While 89% of Democrats hold this view, a notable 30% of Republicans and 64% of independents agreed with the sentiment.
- Context: The poll concluded following a month of high-profile reprimands of judges and lawmakers by the White House. The President is scheduled to address Congress later tonight, where his performance will be under intense scrutiny.
