Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, the Shadow Minister of Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs for Jamaica’s People’s National Party (PNP), has called on Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his role as chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), to convene member states and formulate a cohesive regional response to recent reports of US military strikes in Caribbean waters. These strikes have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, including two Trinidadians, and the detention of two individuals of undisclosed nationality by the US Army. Scott-Mottley expressed profound concern, warning that such actions undermine the sovereignty of the region and jeopardize the safety of its citizens.
She emphasized that Caricom has consistently advocated for the Caribbean to be recognized as a Zone of Peace, a principle rooted in peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. The senator criticized the alleged use of armed drones and lethal force in Caribbean waters, describing it as a blatant violation of these principles. She highlighted the growing unease among fisherfolk and coastal communities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, who fear being misidentified or caught in the crossfire of military operations.
Scott-Mottley stressed that the Caribbean’s waters are vital for livelihoods and commerce and must not be transformed into a battleground. She urged Prime Minister Holness to uphold the region’s legacy of diplomacy and non-alignment by engaging with Caricom leaders to reaffirm the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to ensure full respect for international legal norms, including the right to life, due process, and state sovereignty.
In her concluding remarks, Scott-Mottley warned against normalizing extrajudicial actions in Caribbean waters, calling for unity among Caricom member states to safeguard the principles of peace, sovereignty, and international law.