Showing posts with label African Diaspora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African Diaspora. Show all posts

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Haiti Is At Risk of Military Intervention

 

Growing discord has spread across Haiti. This is the result of the ending of much needed subsidies of the public. The instability has increased the threat of France, Canada, and the United States invading the island. The UN peacekeeping missions appear like military occupations, rather than humanitarian assistance. Criminal gangs are a problem, but these groups are not powerful enough to depose the government. The protesters are frustrated with their government, which fails to make any progress.  Ariel Henry's leadership has brought more political challenges. The Haitian leader called for intervention to help keep him in power. This has been erroneously been presented as the country itself calling for invasion. Ariel Henry was not elected, but appointed himself prime minister. It can be argued legally Henry does not have the authority to be in office. Accusations have also been made linking Ariel Henry to the assassination of Jovenel  Moise. Haiti has not been able to gain control of its own affairs. This is due to regime change and neocolonial imperialism. The last major occupation was during the removal of President  Jean Bertrand Aristide. The UN Minustah force engaged in acts of violence directed at the Haitian population. Witness stated most of the atrocities were done by Brazilian troops. Allegations of rape, destruction of public health, and human rights violations have been made against the UN mission. Haiti must fight internal insurrection, corrupt government,  and foreign interference to regain its national sovereignty.  

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Barbados Is Now A Republic

 

Dame Sandra Mason 

Barbados has removed Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state. This makes Barbados the world's newest republic. This is a significant moment considering the island's history. The legacy of enslavement and colonialism  left a horrible mark. The trans-Atlantic slave trade caused much damage across the Caribbean, while enriching the British Empire. Dame Sandra Mason will take over as president of Barbados. Mason served as Governor-General and will be taking over the role that was filled by Queen Elizabeth II. What has been done in Barbados will hopefully encourage other former ex-colonies to remove the British monarchy as serving a head of state role. A new political trend could be emerging. Prime Minister Mia Mottley will remain  in office following the change in government. There remains uncertainty about the relations between the United Kingdom and Barbados. The country will remain in the Commonwealth of Nations . Barbados has been independent since 1966,but now it looks to a new future in the Americas. Reaching out to South American nations should be a foreign policy priority. The island must continue to diversify its economy beyond sugar exports and tourism. A new patriotic enthusiasm is building and leaders should channel that energy to further development objectives. The establishment of  the  republic makes way for multiple opportunities.