Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a stark warning against the increasing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, emphasizing the region’s need to remain a “zone of peace.” Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Browne expressed deep concern over the deployment of U.S. military assets, including a nuclear submarine, which he argued could signal the potential for military conflict. “While we are committed to collaborating with all partners to combat trafficking, the buildup of military forces raises alarming questions about the region’s stability,” Browne stated. He reiterated that the hemisphere should be respected as a peaceful area, not a stage for military confrontation. The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid a significant escalation of U.S. forces in the southern Caribbean, with at least seven surface warships and a fast-attack submarine deployed as part of a Trump administration-led crackdown on “narco-terrorist” cartels. This buildup has sparked regional tensions, particularly following a controversial U.S. operation in early September that targeted a Venezuelan vessel allegedly carrying narcotics, resulting in 11 deaths. Venezuela responded by deploying F-16 jets near a U.S. destroyer, escalating an already volatile situation. Analysts suggest that the U.S. military presence may extend beyond counter-drug efforts, potentially serving as a strategic show of force against Venezuela’s government. Regional leaders have voiced concerns that such actions could destabilize smaller Caribbean nations caught in the crossfire. Browne’s call for peace reflects a broader Caribbean stance advocating for cooperation and non-militarization in hemispheric security. His speech also highlighted pressing global issues such as climate change, international financing, and the rule of law, underscoring the interconnectedness of regional and global challenges.
Antigua PM Warns Against Military Buildup With U.S. Forces in Caribbean
