OPINION: CARICOM: will it endure?

Last Updated on Thursday, 26 February 2026, 8:55 by Writer

By GHK Lall

St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Terrance Drew, said it well: “A destabilized Cuba will destabilize all of us.” I still love America, but I object to Cuba squeezing. But for geography, Guyanese could be living with the fear and despair of Cubans. It has meaning for me, even if from Pres. Ali to the last citizen take an opposing stand. Host PM Drew was too circumspect to say it, so I do. If Cuba today, who tomorrow? For a local version of that, what if Guyana’s political leaders discover the courage to say to Exxon: this must happen, or there’s an American Airlines flight waiting? It is not going to happen. But if it were, all the unsolved drug and money laundering crimes perpetuated and protected here could lead to powerful men airlifted out of here in chains. The ones in suits, with speeches, and welcoming numerous American dignitaries.

My concern is about the plight of ordinary Cubans paying bitter prices for the mistakes of their leaders. Gambling, sugar, and tourism were huge pulls. Ideas percolate about a return to those hot money, high living glory days. The commercial and political mafias must be drooling. Bring the country to heel, then walk all over it. Happening next door and right here right now, isn’t it? Another concern is what is happening to CARICOM. Its gathering of heads is graced with a visit from the recently appointed King of Cuba, Marco Rubio. He speaks Spanish with an American accent; and he speaks the language of American politics. Power. Unstoppable force. What is Secretary Rubio doing at a CARICOM summit conference? Welcomed guest, or unwanted, barely tolerated intruder?

Depends on who is asked; and even then, no one is so adventurous as to broadcast their real position. For his part, Guyana’s flamboyant superstar President Ali (I am sure he will like that descriptive) was there, and very quick to greet Marco Rubio. He managed to restrain himself well, stopping short of a bearhug, amid the concerns and tensions over Cuba. It’s a little indicator of the internals currently undermining CARICOM. And it’s over Cuba and America’s ideas about how to strangle it, control what’s left. Revisit Venezuela. It is where this strength in unity body is today. It says so much. Of men and women, national leaders, proud to live on their knees, rather than stand upright and walk as dignified, self-respecting men and women should. I discern a resurfacing of that ancient cultural inferiority complex. Not at the level of hustling citizens, but at the heights with opportunistic, scheming commanders-in-chief.

Given the seemingly abject surrender of a bloc of 15 nations to the might of the US, I need some help. Any honest, truly patriotic source would be well-received. How is what is happening today any different from the centuries that the British ruled the seas and landmasses around here? Yes, I know how realpolitik operates. Of superpower stalking shadow, ominous projection. And isolation and ostracism and oppression through sanction. But, by all that’s meaningful in life, there comes a time when it is compulsory to walk like men and women of self-belief, independence. It must be more than the political wisdom that currently rages in neighboring Trinidad. It’s of the wisdom that projects courage, a clean, and unfettered way, that forces others to respectful recognition.

How many masters will Guyana go through? The Mexicans no longer determine their own destiny. The Cubans are under the gun (literally) with the net tightening. Look at who in the region is up to their necks in that, either through open endorsement, or more nuanced positions that can’t be differentiated because they are inseparable from those of endorsers. History teaches that the British came, conquered, and stayed the longest. The Soviets were toyed with, got shoved aside, don’t count. The Chinese are here, and Cuba in the hot seat. How long they will last? And all along the US stand as the longest, broadest and strongest footprint. Now, CARICOM seemingly lines up with hat in hand. Last, a boat is bombed, four killed, and Sec Rubio has no answers as to why that was necessary. Apparently, indiscriminate bombing without caring about pretexts is the newest leadership sport. Apparent also is the shallowness of the chatter about zone of peace. A vulgar leadership stunt, and nothing else.