In a bold move to protect regional sovereignty and peace, a coalition of Caribbean women and organizations has issued an open letter condemning recent U.S. military incursions in the Caribbean Sea. Addressed to CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the letter highlights the grave consequences of these actions, including the extrajudicial killing of at least 32 individuals, two of whom were Trinidad and Tobago nationals. The letter, signed by 112 organizations, underscores the threat posed to the Caribbean tourism industry, local livelihoods, and the region’s commitment to peace. The coalition also criticizes a recent U.S. request to install radar equipment in Grenada, viewing it as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine and a violation of Caribbean sovereignty. The letter calls on CARICOM leaders to uphold the 2014 declaration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to resist U.S. militarization efforts. It emphasizes the region’s history of overcoming violence and exploitation, asserting that the Caribbean is “in nobody’s backyard.” The coalition urges Grenada to reject the U.S. request and for CARICOM to support this stance, even if it incurs economic or political costs. The letter concludes with a powerful reminder of the region’s resilience and determination to safeguard its independence and peace.
In nobody’s backyard: Open letter opposing US military incursions and reaffirming the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace
