Former PM Keith Rowley was right to defend Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty
In recent years, the geopolitical landscape of the Caribbean has been shaped by the interplay of regional alliances, global power dynamics, and the pursuit of national sovereignty. Trinidad and Tobago has found itself at the centre of a diplomatic tug-of-war involving the United States, Cuba, and Venezuela. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley has firmly asserted that Trinbago is a sovereign nation and should not be coerced into suspending relations with Cuba and Venezuela, particularly regarding the employment of Cuban and Venezuelan medical professionals in the country’s healthcare system. His stance is not only justified but also emblematic of the broader struggle for Caribbean nations like to maintain their autonomy in the face of external pressure.
The tension from the United States’ long-standing economic and political sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela, which has been intensified under the Trump Administration is a tactic to force Caribbean countries into obedience. The US has urged countries in the region, including Trinidad and Tobago, to sever ties with these nations as part of its broader strategy to isolate their governments. However, Trinidad and Tobago has maintained diplomatic and economic relations with its neighbors, citing mutual benefits and historical ties. One of the most significant aspects of this relationship is the presence of Cuban and Venezuelan essential professionals, including doctors and nurses, who have been instrumental in addressing healthcare challenges in Trinidad and Tobago. In this context, the arrival of Cuban and Venezuelan medical professionals has been a lifeline. Cuba, in particular, is renowned for its medical diplomacy, exporting highly trained doctors and nurses to countries in need as part of its foreign policy. These professionals have filled critical gaps in Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system, providing essential services to underserved communities and improving overall health outcomes.
The Prime Minister’s decision to continue employing these foreign workers is not merely a matter of diplomacy but a pragmatic response to a pressing domestic need. Suspending relations with Cuba and Venezuela, as urged by the US, would not only disrupt the healthcare system but also undermine the well-being of Trinidad and Tobago’s population plunging it into a ‘medical recession’. This reality underscores the importance of prioritizing national interests over external demands.
At the heart of this issue is the principle of sovereignty, which grants nations the right to govern themselves without external interference. Trinidad and Tobago, as a sovereign state, has the authority to determine its foreign policy and establish relationships with other countries based on its own interests. The Prime Minister’s refusal to bow to pressure from the US is a defence of this principle and sends a clear message that the nation’s decisions will be guided by its unique circumstances and priorities, rather than the geopolitical agenda of a more powerful country. The US demands not only infringe on sovereignty but also reflect double standards, as it seeks harsh sanctions on the Caribbean while maintaining relationships with other nations accused of human rights abuses and authoritarian practices. In fact, the US has benefited from Cuban medical professionals in the past. This selective approach to foreign policy undermines the credibility of its demands and highlights the need for smaller nations to resist such pressure.
The Prime Minister’s stance has broader implications for the Caribbean region as a whole. It underscores the importance of regional solidarity and the need for Caribbean nations to support one another in the face of external pressure. By maintaining ties with Cuba and Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago is contributing to a more balanced and multipolar world order, in which smaller nations have a greater voice and agency.
Additionally, the Caribbean must strengthen its healthcare systems, reduce reliance on foreign medical professionals, and offer incentives to mitigate economic migration. While the contributions of Cuban and Venezuelan doctors and nurses are invaluable, the long-term goal should be to build local capacity and ensure that the region’s healthcare needs can be met internally. This requires investment in education, training, and infrastructure, as well as regional cooperation to address common challenges.
Subrina Hall-Azih is a Trinidadian Educator.
