St Vincent former prime minister Ralph Gonsalves warns that the current trajectory of unilateralism in Venezuela presents a “defining moment” that could lead to widespread mayhem and chaos in the Caribbean.
Gonsalves on Monday asserted that any attempt to install an alternative government in Venezuela would necessitate “boots on the ground,” resulting in “pitch battles“ where many people would be killed.
Gonsalves expresses concern that a crisis in Venezuela would cause many individuals to flee, including “bad men and women” who take advantage of such instability to make money.
He warns that these individuals could transit to or directly enter islands like Trinidad, Grenada, and St. Vincent, where even a small number could trigger a “descent into chaos”.
CARICOM is already monitoring the “multifaceted impact” of the evolving situation, specifically noting immediate implications for economic activity and air travel.
Beyond local concerns, Gonsalves believes this shift represents a “complete break” with the established international system, potentially leading to “knock-on effects” in other parts of the world. “Bypassing the United Nations Charter in favor of the “Donroe Doctrine” threatens the “civilized way to proceed with state-to-state relations”.
To mitigate these risks, Gonsalves advocates for the UN Security Council to remain “permanently seized” of the matter and for CARICOM to facilitate “mature conversations” between the United States and Venezuela to ensure regional peace and security.