THE CARIBBEAN REGIONwhich was relatively peaceful for a long time and actually an example to the world, is now on the verge of bursting. US President Donald Trump is on a collision course and has stated that he will do everything he can to thwart the drug mafia. He speaks of an invasion of the United States (US) by drug cartels from Venezuela. However, his security authorities cannot confirm this.
The US and Venezuela have been enemies for a long time. After Nicolás Maduro succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013 and the country fell into an even worse malaise, many Venezuelans fled the country and often ended up in the US. For a while, it seemed as if relations between the US and Venezuela were on a better track when oil supplies from Russia were jeopardized by the war with Ukraine. But Trump is not one for compromise, so the atmosphere became grimmer again after he took office.
It matters little what the motive is for the increased aggression in the region; the consequences will be for the entire region, including Suriname
In the meantime, a boat sailing from Venezuela has been shot down by American troops, who are now stationed in the sea off Venezuela. And while Trump reports that it was a boat with a lot of drugs, Venezuela says it was a fishing boat. It’s hard to say exactly who is right, but it doesn’t look good.
The Caribbean has apparently not yet given an official response to these latest developments via CARICOM. However, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has publicly stated that he is pleased with America’s action against drug crime. This is not surprising in itself because Trinidad and Tobago has experienced a huge increase in crime in recent years.
Yet America’s attack remains remarkable. While there are no hard figures to show that so much drugs are coming from Venezuela and America itself is struggling with entire communities being subjected to devastating synthetic drugs, another country is being attacked so aggressively. A scenario is being considered in which Trump wants to secure Guyana’s oil. Guyana has had a border conflict with Venezuela for years. The country claims some lucrative resources, while Venezuela itself already has the largest oil deposits in the world.
It matters little what the motive is for the increased aggression in the region; the consequences will be for the entire region, including Suriname. Although this is strongly denied, it is remarkable that the Jules Sedney Harbor in Suriname is now also declared unsafe and ships from Suriname will be extra checked. This may result in more costs for exporters and less income for Suriname.
It must be clear that the world cannot use another war. The conflict between Gaza and Israel and between Russia and Ukraine already have enough consequences for the world. Yet there seems to be an unprecedented need for even more war. Something that makes the world look strange. It is said that the American arms industry in particular is the big earner in this. Apparently the rest of the world is allowed to perish.
