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 Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Grenadian counterpart, Dickon 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’.
The US embassy said that in addition to meetings with both prime ministers, Holsey’s agenda includes meetings with Antigua and Barbuda Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin and Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Acting Commissioner Randy Connaught. ‘The meetings will center on reaffirming the longstanding security collaboration with both nations and shared challenges that affect the Eastern Caribbean, including transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security.’
It said that both countries are vital contributors to the collective efforts of like-minded countries to strengthen security in the Eastern Caribbean.
‘U.S. Southern Command remains committed to continuing its longstanding cooperation with both nations. Admiral Holsey’s visit underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to partnering with Eastern Caribbean partners like Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda to advance regional security and stability,’ the statement said.
The visit comes amidst disquiet in Grenada, where it has been revealed that the United States has written to the govvernment seeking permission to install radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) here.
‘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.
‘Any genuine efforts to fight the drug trade in our region are both desired and welcomed. But unilateral action, especially one perceived by other countries as laced with hostile intentions, will be both counterproductive and destabilizing.’