Former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has called for the United States to rebuild what he described as a genuine friendship with Jamaica, urging Washington to replace pressure and unilateral demands with greater mutual respect and cooperation.
Speaking at the Jamaica 64th Independence Gala hosted by Team Jamaica Bickle in Philadelphia, Golding acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two countries but argued that recent U.S. policies have strained that partnership. He expressed hope that the United States would soften its approach and restore the spirit of collaboration that has historically characterized bilateral relations.
- Advertisement -
Golding said the international environment has become increasingly unpredictable, pointing to new U.S. tariffs, immigration policies and foreign policy decisions that he believes have placed unnecessary pressure on Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. He argued that many of these measures have been imposed unilaterally rather than through dialogue and consultation.
Among the issues he highlighted were U.S. opposition to Cuba’s medical cooperation programmes, concerns over Chinese investment in Jamaica, the imposition of tariffs on Jamaican exports, and the third-country migrant arrangement under which Caribbean countries may temporarily receive migrants deported from the United States. Golding said these policies have created significant challenges for small Caribbean economies.
“True friends don’t abuse your friendship; they don’t make unreasonable demands of you; they should be there to help you,” Golding said. “Holding a gun to our head and insisting that we must be reasonable and do things your way is not friendship.“
Despite his criticism, Golding cautioned against confrontation, noting that Jamaica’s economic dependence on the United States requires a measured and pragmatic approach. He pointed out that the U.S. is Jamaica’s largest trading partner, its biggest source of tourists and remittances, and a key player in the country’s financial system. He warned that retaliatory measures such as higher tariffs, stricter visa restrictions or reduced financial cooperation could have serious consequences for Jamaica’s economy.
The former prime minister also acknowledged calls from some quarters for Caribbean governments to take a more forceful stance against U.S. policies. However, he argued that Jamaica must carefully balance defending its national interests while recognizing the realities of its economic relationship with its northern neighbor.
Golding concluded on a hopeful note, expressing optimism that the current tensions would eventually subside and that the two countries could once again enjoy a relationship built on mutual respect rather than pressure.
“Putting America first should not mean putting Jamaica in jeopardy,” he said, adding that he hoped the United States would “hold hands with us in a spirit of true friendship.”
Golding’s remarks come amid broader discussions across the Caribbean about U.S. immigration, trade and foreign policies, with several regional leaders expressing concern over the impact of recent measures on small island developing states. His address has added to the ongoing debate over how Jamaica and its Caribbean neighbors should navigate their relationship with their most influential international partner.
