The leaders of three member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have pledged their unwavering support to Grenada, regardless of its decision regarding a contentious request from the United States. The US has sought permission to temporarily install a radar system at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and deploy military assets near the island. This development was discussed at a press conference in Kingstown, St. Vincent, attended by Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, and Phillip J. Pierre of St. Lucia. Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, has yet to make a final decision on the matter, emphasizing the complexity of the technical and geopolitical considerations involved. The US has been increasing its military presence off Venezuela’s coast, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, critics argue that the radar installation is a strategic move to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Gonsalves highlighted the delicate balance Grenada must strike between economic interests, particularly its reliance on US-based airlines and medical schools, and principles of non-intervention. He affirmed that any decision made by Mitchell would be respected, acknowledging the challenging nature of the situation. The leaders also expressed solidarity with Antigua and Barbuda, which has already declined a similar request. The press conference concluded with the trio endorsing Gonsalves for a sixth term as prime minister in the upcoming general election.
3 OECS leaders support Grenada’s position on US radar request
