Dear Editor,

The Caribbean, long seen as a peaceful zone, is currently facing some of the most challenging geopolitical issues in recent decades.

As 2026 progresses, moving away from quiet diplomacy towards more militarised actions and external involvement shows a change we can no longer ignore. For Jamaica and our Caricom neighbours, these issues have shifted from distant political concerns to immediate, real risks.

The regional situation has drastically changed due to several crises testing our stability. In South America, the US capture of Nicolas Maduro has created a lot of uncertainty. While the so-called strongman may be gone, threats from criminal networks and the ongoing dispute over the Essequibo border with Guyana remain dangerous. Haiti’s ongoing security issues, with gangs controlling most of the capital, continue to fuel regional problems like human trafficking and arms smuggling, which affect us directly.

For Jamaica, these tensions mean real economic and social dangers. Our tourism and farming sectors, already vulnerable after storms like Hurricane Melissa, now face additional challenges from global tariffs and changing US trade policies under the “America First” approach. The increased US military presence in the Caribbean, meant to fight drug trafficking, could turn our peaceful waters into a battleground for global rivalries. All this geopolitical noise creates uncertainty that might scare off the foreign investment we need to grow.

To tackle these issues we need to focus on diplomacy, not just as a way to keep peace, but as a smart strategy for survival. We should consider leading efforts to rebuild a unified stance within Caricom. We can’t afford to delay or rely on only verbal commitments. Instead, we should develop a shared risk assessment and speak with a clear, united voice to prevent outside forces from pressuring us into decisions that threaten our sovereignty.

We also need to make the Caribbean a true zone of peace by using international platforms like the United Nations and the Organization of American States. Strengthening regional bodies like Caricom’s Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) to address root problems, like arms smuggling, through better intelligence-sharing is key, rather than escalating military actions. Good diplomacy means working together for collective security, ensuring the Caribbean remains a stable region in an uncertain world.

Our societies have long evolved from violent, egotistical action to a more controlled, reasoned approach to solving conflicts. Therefore, we must be diplomatic and clear in our response to any situation that threatens our development, growth, and sovereignty. Being neutral alone will not help; we must be clear that peace and logic must prevail without choosing sides.

Ricardo Smith

Senior educator and social scientist

ricardo.professional.edu@gmail.com