Antigua and Barbuda is again sounding the alarm about the likely impact of the recently announced US tariffs will have on the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, who are members of CELAC.
Speaking at a CELAC meeting in Honduras, Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, described the current international environment as an era marked by uncertainty and rapid change, noting that it is imperative that CELAC countries recognize the steps they are taking collectively to address these challenges and foster a resilient future for their nations.
“Antigua and Barbuda like all other member states are very concerned about the negative effects that unilateral sanctions, tariffication and other unilateral coercive measures have on some of our member states, the consequences these measures have on the economic and social development of the targeted countries and the entire Latin-American and Caribbean region,” FM Greene stated.
According to the foreign minister, in recent years, the world has witnessed a shift in the global balance of power, characterized by complex trade relationships, climate change, migration crises, and shifting alliances.
These factors, he added, have prompted countries in the region to re-evaluate their strategies and enhance cooperation in a way that fortifies their collective interests.
Despite the challenges, Greene remains hopeful that working together through the several regional organisations can chart a pathway through the current crises.
“The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Bolivarian Alliance (ALBA) provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation. By working together, we can amplify our voices on the international stage, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed by global powers,” he observed.
FA Greene pointed out that the need for enhanced cooperation in trade is essential in order to foster economic integration. “By reducing trade barriers and promoting investment, we not only enhance our economies but also create a united front to address external pressures. It is vital that we build robust economic ties that benefit all member nations, enabling us to innovate and compete globally,” he declared.
