Greene Urges Caribbean Unity: “Stop Telling Jamaicans and Dominicans to Go Home

St John’s, Antigua – Foreign Affairs Minister and ABLP Chairman EP Chet Greene has made an emotional appeal for greater Caribbean solidarity, warning that regional disunity threatens the ability of small island states to survive global economic challenges.

Speaking on Pointe FM over the weekend, Greene criticised lingering prejudices across the Caribbean, including xenophobic attitudes towards Jamaicans and Dominicans living in Antigua and Barbuda.

“We have to stop telling Jamaicans and Dominicans to go home. That is not the solution—could never be the solution,” Greene said. “The same Dominicans and Jamaicans being told to go home are being expelled from the United States just like Antiguans are. We’re all in the same boat.”

Greene argued that small island developing states (SIDS) must now embrace a common regional identity if they are to effectively respond to shifting global trade dynamics and rising economic nationalism. He warned that without unity, Caribbean countries will continue to be sidelined in major global decisions that impact their economies.

“Trade requires market,” Greene said. “If we want regional manufacturing and food security, we need to embrace Caribbean civilisation—not just as an idea but as a practical strategy for survival.”

His comments come amid new U.S. tariffs on foreign imports and growing uncertainty in global trade arrangements, which Greene said could lead to increased costs for food, medicine, and consumer goods. As Antigua and Barbuda seeks to diversify its trading partners, he urged the public to see fellow Caribbean nationals as part of the solution—not the problem.

“The status quo is no more. Whether we like it or not, the way the world works is changing, and we have to change with it—together,” Greene said.

He noted that past divisions had already cost the region valuable opportunities, referencing the failure of the West Indies Federation and the ongoing challenges of economic integration. But he also pointed to hope: a regional agricultural initiative and renewed diplomatic engagement with Latin America and Asia.

“We must use this moment to build something stronger across the Caribbean. If we embrace each other, we can face what’s coming. But if we remain divided, we’ll all fall alone,” Greene said.

His message echoed broader calls for regional resilience, with CARICOM already promoting a 25 by 2025 food security initiative and ongoing talks around regional manufacturing and energy cooperation.

For Greene, however, unity must go beyond high-level policy.

“This is about people. It’s about how we treat each other on the ground, in our communities, in our businesses. Regionalism cannot succeed without regional respect,” he said.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]