标签： Saint Lucia

In a significant development at the United Nations General Assembly on October 26, 165 countries, including Saint Lucia, voted in favor of lifting the United States’ longstanding economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba. The embargo, imposed six decades ago, has severely restricted trade, investment, and financial transactions with the island nation, exacerbating its economic struggles and limiting access to essential goods. This annual resolution, calling for the embargo’s end, has been adopted by the General Assembly for over three decades. Last year, 187 countries supported the resolution, with only the US and Israel opposing it. This year, however, seven nations—the US, Hungary, Paraguay, Argentina, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Israel—voted to maintain the embargo, while 12 abstained. Despite the slight decline in support, Cuba’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares, hailed the outcome as a victory, emphasizing that 85% of the General Assembly still favors ending the embargo. She described the vote as an “undeniable victory” for Cuba. The US, however, has continued to lobby against lifting the embargo, citing Cuba’s alleged involvement in the Ukraine conflict as a justification. Ambassador Linares refuted these claims, stating that while some Cubans are involved in the conflict, they are not government-sanctioned. She also highlighted the devastating impact of the embargo on Cuba’s economy, particularly in sectors like healthcare, oil, and tourism, which have been further strained by recent natural disasters. US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jeff Bartos, argued that lifting the embargo would allow Cuba’s government to evade accountability for its financial crisis. Ambassador Linares expressed hope for a more rational approach in the future, urging the international community to recognize the humanitarian toll of the embargo.

In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump has urged US military leaders to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the need to keep pace with nations like Russia and China. Trump made the announcement via social media on October 29, just before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. He emphasized that the US, which possesses the largest nuclear arsenal globally, must modernize its capabilities to match advancements by other nations. Russia and China, he noted, are actively enhancing their nuclear programs, with China projected to make substantial progress within five years. Trump’s directive to the Department of War marks a departure from a decades-long moratorium on nuclear testing, last conducted in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush. The US’s Nevada Test Site, a key facility for past nuclear experiments, remains operational and could be reactivated if authorized. This move has sparked debate over its implications for global security and arms control agreements.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump underscored the importance of collaboration between their nations during a meeting on October 30 in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK). The talks took place ahead of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and Xi’s state visit to the ROK. This marked their first in-person discussion since Trump’s re-election, following three phone conversations and several exchanges of letters. Xi emphasized that China and the US, as major global powers, share a responsibility to work together for the benefit of their countries and the world. He highlighted the progress made during recent economic and trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which laid the groundwork for constructive dialogue. ‘Dialogue is better than confrontation,’ Xi stated, urging both nations to maintain communication at various levels to foster mutual understanding. Trump echoed this sentiment, describing the US-China relationship as ‘fantastic’ and expressing optimism about its future. He announced plans to visit China early next year and invited Xi to the US. The two leaders agreed to maintain regular interactions, recognizing the significance of their bilateral relationship, which accounts for over 40% of global GDP. Xi stressed that economic ties should remain a cornerstone of their relationship, avoiding friction and fostering long-term cooperation. ‘The two sides should think big and recognize the long-term benefits of collaboration,’ he said. Despite occasional disagreements, Xi emphasized that China and the US should be partners and friends, a lesson reinforced by history and current realities. Trump concluded by affirming the potential for both nations to achieve great things together for the world.

Since the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, Caribbean leaders have consistently advocated for the region to remain a zone of peace, free from foreign military intervention and domination. This vision, however, has been tested by a history marked by colonial struggles, slavery revolts, and political instability. Nations like Haiti have endured multiple coups, while events such as the Grenada Revolution and subsequent U.S. invasion in 1983 underscore the region’s turbulent past. Even Trinidad and Tobago experienced a brief coup in 1990. By the 2000s, the Caribbean had achieved relative stability, though political unrest and racial tensions persisted in some areas. In 2014, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) declared the region a ‘Peace Zone,’ emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution and international law. Recent U.S. military activities, particularly targeting drug trafficking, have reignited concerns about foreign intervention. CARICOM has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, sovereignty, and combating narco-trafficking and illegal arms trade. However, the rise in gang violence, homicides, and drug trafficking poses significant challenges to this vision. Regional leaders must address these issues with decisive action to ensure true peace and security for all Caribbean citizens.