Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, says his country has absolutely no interest in hosting any form of military assets, and that the situation regarding Grenada is ‘really a sovereign issue’ for the government of that island.
‘If they decide to accommodate the United States, there is nothing we can do. We would have to respect the decision,’ Browne told reporters on a conference call from St. John’s.
Last week, the Grenada government confirmed that the United States had written seeking permission to install radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA).
‘The Ministries of National Security, Legal Affairs and Foreign Affairs are carefully assessing the request and reviewing the request in technical consultations, in coordination with the Grenada airports Authority and other relevant agencies,’ the Dickon Mitchell government said, adding that it is carefully reviewing the request in accordance with established national procedures.
‘Any decisions will be made only after all technical and legal assessments are completed. We wish to assure our citizens that any decision taken will be guided by Grenada’s sovereignty, public safety, and national interest, including the protection of our tourism industry, the traveling public, and the country’s economic well-being,’ the government said, adding it continue to keep the public informed as developments unfold.
But former Senate president and trade unionist, Chester Humphrey and former foreign affairs minister, Peter David, have publicly come out against such a request, with Humphrey saying he is prepaed to lead a peaceful protest march.
Humphrey said that the move by Washington is a precursor to launching a military strike against the Nicolás Maduro government in the Venezuela.
David, an independent legislator, said in a statement that while Grenada values its longstanding partnerships with both the United States and Venezuela, any actions taken must be rooted in diplomacy, mutual respect, and regional cooperation.
Last month, President Donald Trump ramped up US military presence in the Caribbean Sea ordering an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of his effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.
A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission.
The United States military has carried out four deadly air strikes in Caribbean waters over the past few weeks against what Washington alleges are Caracas-backed drug traffickers. The Venezuelan government denies the charge, accusing the administration of being a threat to the peace and security of the whole region.
During the United Nations Security Council meeting last Friday, Venezuela with support from China and Russia condemned the actions of the United States.
Prime Minister Browne said that the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ‘will have locus to speak and to state their opposition if they are being pressured’.
He said he isn’t aware of any request before the OECS or CARICOM, adding ‘maybe there could be an intent but no such formal request.
‘Antigua and Barbuda has absolutely no interest in hosting any military assets of any country. We are friends of all and enemies of none. We are quite happy we don’t have any military bases or assets of any foreign power,’ Prime Minister Browne added.
On Monday, the US Embassy in Barbados announced that the Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, is to visit Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada from Tuesday, where he will meet with leaders in both countries, the US Embassy here has announced.
It said that Holsey will hold talks with Prime Minister Browne and his Grenadian counterpart, Mitchell and that his visit is his first to both countries since assuming command of SOUTHCOM last November ‘and is an opportunity to further strengthen security cooperation with key partners in the Caribbean’.