In Guyana, as in other parts of Latin America, the United States should not attempt to block the government or others from doing business with the PRC and its companies, but rather, to continue to insist on transparency, the rule of law, and competent government institutions.
The challenges Haiti faces are immense and cannot be easily addressed without active international policy coordination, leadership by US diplomacy, and close and sustained interaction with key Haitian actors.
Haiti has seen three major crises within the past four months. Amid these crises, everyday life in Haiti has become increasingly dangerous.
The Pandora Papers illustrate the evils of financial secrecy, transnational corruption, and money laundering, as well as the ability of politicians, high-net-worth individuals, and criminals to hide their money. They also show the insatiable temptations of financial confidentiality and the growing knack of the ICIJ to expose financial secrecy.
Unprecedented growth will be driven by Guyana’s recent discovery of 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas. Despite the optimism, Guyana’s surge will also coincide with a world in which fossil fuels are losing favor.
Suriname is part of the Guyana-Suriname Basin, often called the “Holy Grail” of oil and gas. However, the country is in the midst of a severe economic crisis. Sadly, Suriname has been here before.
One does not usually think of bananas as big business, let alone as a factor in the fate of nations.
The Caribbean has long enjoyed a reputation for being one of the most democratic regions in the world. Despite the Caribbean’s seeming confidence in the ballot, however, countries in the region nevertheless face considerable challenges in keeping their democracies alive. Elections alone do not make a democracy; rather, there are many other factors that must be taken into consideration in order to ensure good governance.
The immediate hurdle to overcome is already playing itself out in the days following Moïse’s assassination—who is the legitimate successor?
The international community’s role in Haiti is adrift. None of this is going to end well.
