Jamaica caught in new cold/ economic war

THE EDITOR, Madam: JAMAICA IS now caught between the proverbial elephants in a room. How do we not get crushed?

True to what the American ambassador is saying, Jamaica must be very wary of China. The proof of the pudding is in China’s record in Africa, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. They are like the bail bonds man who comes with short-term help, but at a heavy price.

We must accept their investments but keep them on a short leash. Their first priority is not ours, but their own. See how they treat their own citizens and environment. Would they treat us better? Definitely not.

The US, now finding that their influence is waning in the 21st century, is trying to fight back. It, however, takes cash and power to care. Cash they do not have, power they do. This power can be used against us by visa revocations. Correspondent banking: probably the most lethal travel bans such as is used against Cuba and also covert activities. Jamaica, being one of the weakest Western allies of the US, is in the category of this low-hanging fruit to be picked on first.

Bear in mind that the present US administration has been bullying strong allies such as Germany for natural gas imports. Translated: Germany’s interest should be second to US national interest. This administration has taken on NATO and the EU. Observe the Ukraine fiasco. How can we stand up to the US in these circumstances?

Mr Holness will have to walk between the raindrops and try to coexist with two masters, an almost impossible tightrope to walk.