Caribbean leaders, diplomats, and scholars convened virtually on Tuesday for The University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Forum to examine the implications of recent US policy shifts under President Donald Trump.
The forum, broadcast on UWItv, featured Columbia University economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs, International Relations expert Professor W. Andy Knight from the University of Alberta, and Ambassador Wayne McCook, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Justin Robinson set the tone for the discussion by acknowledging the region’s historical adaptability. “We’ve had to dance with colonial rulers, tango with economic downturns, and now we must learn a new two-step with policies that may affect everything from trade to security,” he said.
Professor Sachs characterized Trump’s approach as “neo-imperialism” based on US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. “We are in a very unstable period,” he noted, discussing challenges posed by anti-migrant sentiments and protectionist trade policies.
McCook emphasized the need to strengthen regional trade frameworks. “The CARICOM trading goods regime has undergone many iterations, but the urgency to deepen and strengthen our internal market has never been more pressing,” he stated. “We need to navigate the challenges ahead with renewed resolve to reduce non-tariff barriers and ensure our firms can expand their markets effectively.”
Professor Knight suggested that the current situation might have unexpected benefits. “Trump’s policies, while potentially causing short-term instability, also create openings for Caribbean nations to assert themselves on the global stage and build a more equitable regional order,” he said.
The forum was organized by UWI’s Office of the Vice-Chancellor in partnership with the University Office of Academic-Industry Partnerships and Planning, with Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global AffairsSandrea Maynard moderating the discussion.
