Caricom expects to maintain cordial relations with US – Granger

While Caricom expects that the cordial relationship it has enjoyed with the United States will continue, it is preparing to engage the Trump administration on issues of concern to the region.

Speaking at the closing of the 28th inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government at the Marriott Hotel, President David Granger said that discussions over the two days emphasised the importance of the longstanding relationship between the community and the United States of America. “We look forward to continuing the fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship with the new USA administration [and] recognise the importance of the recently adopted bipartisan, US-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016 that seeks to increase US engagement with the governments and civil society of the region,” he told media operatives.

He later noted that even in the face of immigration decisions by the new Donald Trump administration Caricom does not anticipate that there will be any significant disruption in US relations but would have to wait and see.

“We have enjoyed cordial relations with US administrations. Traditionally we are regarded as fourth frontier of the US and the US understands our strategic importance and we appreciate the US with whom we have the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and ongoing trade relations,” Granger said adding that while there has been no indication that there will be any change in relations Caricom has decided to embark on an engagement with the present administration.

Grenadian Prime Minster Keith Mitchell, who will take over Chairmanship from Granger in July noted that the harsh reality is there has been a change of administration and there is much uncertainty around the world and even in the US and the Republican Party which Trump represents.

He acknowledged that a recent immigration order signed “overnight” by Trump has impacted both Caricom citizens and economies.

“It has had an impact on our citizens and on tourism. If I were there and were a permanent resident with family and a business let’s face it, I ain’t going nowhere. I’m not travelling. The uncertainty is there and has to be settled,” Mitchell stressed.

He shared his expectation that there will be a clear understanding that the uncertainty cannot continue and praised the historically good relationships between Caricom and the US.

“Our borders are too close to the US to risk uncertainties in our direction,” the Prime Minister said.