Is Pompeo’s Visit A Threat To CARICOM’s Unity?

A mix of suspicion and curiosity surrounds the arrival of US Secretary Of State and Former Director of the CIA Mike Pompeo, for a two-day working visit With Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other regional ministers. Pompeo comes to Jamaica just months before his country’s presidential elections in November and on the same day impeachment proceedings against President Trump are supposed to commence. Leader of CARICOM, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned of a potential divide in CARICOM as a result of the visit, which excludes a number of regional leaders.t
There are also increased concerns over China’s role in the region, the unsure state of Venezuela, the illicit gun trade and the effect of US trade sanctions that may be on the agenda of what is to be discussed.
To explore some of the potential talking points we are joined by Professor Clinton Hutton, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government Faculty of Social Sciences UWI and Dickie Crawford, UWI Lecturer, and Political Commentator.