PM Browne: Caribbean Economies Inextricably Linked to the U.S. Market

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has emphasized that Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, must remain aligned with the United States, citing economic realities and trade dependencies that make detachment impractical.

Speaking in a recent interview, Browne addressed concerns about shifting U.S. policies, including potential travel restrictions (U.S confirmed that no list exists) and economic decisions that could impact the region. While acknowledging the challenges posed by America’s evolving stance on global trade and immigration, he asserted that the Caribbean’s economic survival is deeply tied to the U.S. market.

Browne pointed out that the majority of goods consumed in the Caribbean are imported from the United States, and alternative sourcing would be costly and inefficient.

“The best market for the Caribbean to purchase goods is in the United States. If you go to Europe, shipping costs and exchange rates would be prohibitive,” he explained.

Even if the region moved towards greater economic integration, such as a single Caribbean currency, Browne argued that this would not eliminate the need for U.S. dollars, as most international transactions and trade agreements require hard currency for purchases.

“At the end of the day, even if we consolidate [into one currency], you can’t use that single currency to buy goods in the U.S. We will still have to convert to U.S. dollars,” he noted.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that there have been long-standing aspirations for deeper Caribbean economic integration, including a single market and currency under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) framework. However, he pointed out that such efforts have been hampered by economic disparities among member states, citing examples of currency devaluations in Jamaica and Guyana that complicated earlier attempts at regional monetary alignment.

Despite these challenges, he stressed that Caribbean leaders must find ways to push back against unfair U.S. policies without jeopardizing economic stability.

“We can become emotional about what they are doing, but we have to understand that our fortunes are directly linked to the success of the United States,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also weighed in on the geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, highlighting that Caribbean nations must remain neutral while benefiting from economic cooperation with both powers.

He acknowledged China’s role in regional development, particularly through grant funding and concessional loans, but clarified that such assistance does not replace the economic importance of U.S. trade and investment.

“For us, this fight between the U.S. and China is not our concern. All we want is cooperation in the interest of our survivability, so that our people can thrive and enjoy good living standards,” Browne said.

While advocating for continued alignment with the U.S., Browne urged Washington to engage Caribbean nations with mutual respect, rather than imposing unilateral decisions or sanctions.

“All I ask for is that they treat us with mutual respect and recognize our sovereignty. We have always been cooperative,” he stated.

As global economic uncertainties grow, Browne’s remarks underscore the delicate balancing act Caribbean nations must maintain—protecting their national interests while acknowledging the economic dominance of the U.S. in regional affairs.

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