Summit talk wasn't cheap

The Summit of the Americas has, in the past, been nothing more than an expensive talk shop. It reinforced America’s dominance and underscored the Bush administration’s arrogance and lack of diplomatic skills. 

Obama’s down-to-earth charm and likeable personality have, however, made the recently concluded summit a meaningful one. President Obama was elected on a platform of change that condemned the partisan and narrow approach of Bush. One conspicuous manifesto difference was in the area of the US foreign policy and international relations. Obama promised to create an international partnership, a global joint venture, based on the fact that we must all co-exist and share this planet and had common problems and goals. Global warming, international trade, the scourge of human and drug trafficking require a joint global initiative.

Obama’s promise to end America’s dependence on non-renewable resources such as oil and gas will affect many countries and force them to re-think their economic strategies for future development. The weakness of the American economy has fortunately, been matched by a strengthening of the presidency with the election of Obama whose oratory skills are unmatched. Many countries would have poured scorn on the new face of the US, and flippantly dismiss it as the by-product of a suddenly vulnerable economy. Obama has, however, managed to avoid this because his post-election policies and actions have matched his pre-election platform rhetoric.

Refreshing change

Thus, his recent visit to the Middle East was hailed a success and refreshing change that could lead to greater co-operation. The difference in America’s attitude in international politics is also boosted by the tangible difference in Obama being the first black president and the worldwide hatred for his unimaginative, bland, war-hungry and arrogant predecessor George Bush.

The Summit, therefore, came at a critical juncture. A worldwide recession, a vulnerable weak US economy, global issues driven by economic and social considerations that individual leaders cannot ignore, the rise of Chavez, the “fall” of Castro and the fact that the Summit took place in the Caribbean, which has, in recent times, maintained friendly relations with Cuba, are all novel considerations. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago must be given credit for his consistent position on the need to develop friendly relations with Cuba. The fact that he entrusted his health to Cuba (paid for by the Cuban government and all) speaks volumes. Caricom’s official exclusion of Cuba is just a formality. No one really supports the anti-Cuba policies of the US towards Cuba and if anything, Fidel Castro is widely admired for his defiance and considered a hero to many.

This Summit was widely expected to be just another expensive talk shop, but the rhetoric from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez upped the ante. The ALBA meeting in Cumana hosted by Chavez on the eve of the summit in T&T was a master stroke. It identified Chavez as an important figure in the Americas that President Obama cannot afford to ignore. Obama had to respect Chavez. The rejection of the pending Summit declaration and the warning from Chavez that he will not tolerate disrespect, but Obama’s superb diplomacy softened the aggression from opponents. From a Caribbean perspective, this was a good time to reinforce our special position in the Americas. We are geo-politically strategically positioned between the USA and South America and the downturn in the US economy means that we must explore non-traditional ideas.

Exclusive focus

The almost exclusive focus on the US has to change and it is time we make better use of our prized location and improve our social and economic ties with South and Central America. The US cannot expect to preach change, but not be willing to allow its allies to change as well. There is no need for the Caribbean to be shy about wanting to improve its relationship with Cuba. Hopefully, Obama’s much-anticipated announcement that the US will now allow its citizens to travel to Cuba will act as a catalyst in this regard. The other main issue is the plight of Haiti. People are suffering so badly, the poor must survive by eating mud pies, and bloodshed is the order of the day as armed gangs run amok ever so often.

America spent billions to invade Iraq, but has not done enough to co-ordinate a proper response to this terrible human crisis in its own backyard. This Summit was a proud and historic moment for our tiny twin-island Republic. It is a vision of PM Manning that has come to fruition at great cost to our public purse, but should be viewed for now, as our contribution to the development of the Americas and world at large. Talk, in this case, wasn’t cheap and I hope that what was discussed by the leaders brings meaningful change to the lives of the ordinary folks the world over.