KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid the chaos of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on Tuesday, the focus of Fishing Boat Captain Herbert Dowie from the coastal town of Port Royal was not on the storm, but on the controversial actions of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea. Dowie expressed deep concern over reports that US boats have attacked and killed dozens of individuals, allegedly suspected of drug trafficking. However, fears persist that innocent fishermen and others may have been tragically caught in the crossfire. The US government has defended its actions, claiming the targeted boats were transporting narcotics. Yet, Dowie and other locals view these operations as unlawful and reckless. “They shouldn’t be shooting down any vessel,” Dowie asserted, questioning why the US forces couldn’t use non-lethal methods to intercept and inspect the boats. Roy Brown, another Port Royal resident, echoed Dowie’s sentiments, accusing the US of exploiting its power in the region. Brown drew parallels between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, stating, “They are the same thing.” Over the past few months, US forces have reportedly killed at least 57 people in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. These actions have sparked widespread condemnation both regionally and within the US, with lawmakers from both major political parties questioning the president’s authority to order such strikes.
‘No need to kill’: Port Royal fisherfolk concerned over US attacks in Caribbean Sea
