Dear Editor,

Recent global events, from sanctions in Venezuela to rising tensions between major powers, can feel distant and complex. Yet these waves on the world stage inevitably reach our shores, affecting everything from the price of fuel to our diplomatic choices. It is crucial that we, the Jamaican public, understand the forces at play.

The world is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. For decades the global economy ran largely on a US-led system. Now we are seeing that system fragment. When powerful nations use sanctions as a primary tool, the result is not simply compliance. Markets adapt, creating shadowy networks of oil tankers and alternative financial channels. Rival alliances grow stronger, as seen in the deepening ties between sanctioned states and major economies like China.

The uncomfortable truth is that economic pressure often redirects trade and power; it doesn’t vanish. This creates a volatile environment in which small, import-dependent nations like Jamaica can be caught in the crossfire, facing higher energy costs and complicated diplomatic tightropes.

So what does this mean for Jamaica?

First, our national priority must be energy security and economic resilience. The Government’s move to secure full ownership of the Petrojam refinery is a vital step in this direction. We must reduce our vulnerability by aggressively diversifying our fuel suppliers and, most importantly, by accelerating our transition to renewable energy. Every solar panel and wind turbine isn’t just “green”, it’s a shield against distant geopolitical storms.

Second, our diplomacy must be principled. We must continue to advocate for peace, dialogue, and the rule of law. We should engage with all nations — the US, China, the EU, and our Caribbean and Latin American family — based on mutual respect. We should be a bridge for dialogue, not a follower of any single bloc. Our recent statements on Venezuela, focusing on the people and a peaceful resolution, are a good model.

Third, our strength is in our Caribbean unity. Alone, our voice is heard; together, in Caricom, it is heeded. We must advocate for fair international rules, and negotiate as a bloc for better energy deals and climate financing.

Let’s engage in informed discussion. Ask how our energy diversification is progressing. Support policies that build long-term resilience over short-term convenience. Let’s debate how Jamaica can leverage its cultural and moral authority to be a leader for Caribbean unity and sustainable development on the global stage.

To the Government: We urge you to:

1) finalise and fortify our energy independence;.

2) champion Caricom unity as a non-negotiable pillar of foreign policy;

3) maintain a foreign policy of active, principled neutrality, engaging all partners pragmatically while steadfastly defending our sovereignty and the right of all peoples to peace and development.

The world is changing. Our task is not to fear the change but to navigate it with clarity and an unwavering focus on securing a resilient and sovereign future for Jamaica.

Yannick Nesta Pessoa

Montegonian

yannickpessoa@yahoo.com