Trump call

The theatre of war has rapidly changed and decisions being made in the White House are not only undermining American values but also have repercussions for the economic, social and security interests of all countries affected whenever America sneezes.

Whatever the spin doctors may say, it seems obvious that the first and foremost matter on the minds of both leaders is security. Or at least it should be.

Long before Tuesday’s New York Times article on this country’s status as a recruitment ground for foreign terrorist fighters, and comments weeks earlier by a security official on a US television programme, the matter has been at the forefront of government and law enforcement authorities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The endorsement of a UN resolution on the matter triggered much discussion and debate.

Since then, the present administration has triggered hitherto unused anti-terror legislation and has also brought a range of controversial surveillance functions onto the statute books in relation to the Strategic Services Agency (though that law is awaiting proclamation).

It comes as no surprise that the Trump administration may be concerned about a potential breeding ground for radicalisation being a mere three hours away from Miami by plane. While radical elements are a tiny minority of the country, the nation still has a per capita rate of recruitment that surpasses the US. And that’s just official estimates.

The challenge for Rowley is to deal with a leader who has thus far shown a penchant for formulating his own views with careless recourse to the facts. Case in point, the infamous Muslim ban which was deemed to be a measure to protect the US against terrorists, but which affected countries with no record of terrorist entry.

This country is poised to contribute meaningfully to the war on terror and its commitment to such has been underlined in many ways. It is hoped the meeting which has been scheduled between the two leaders will result in positive measures that will deepen areas of collaboration and that will not unduly affect the ordinary citizen, including hundreds of thousands with relatives in the US.

Other matters on the agenda will likely include FATCA, immigration and deportation. With an appallingly heavy-handed crackdown on immigrants ongoing in the US, it is likely that there will be a flow of people returning to these shores both voluntarily and involuntarily. Such a flow poses social and economic challenges.

Remittances will be affected and historically, crime has been linked to deportation trends.

Caricom was also recently mandated to engage lobbyists on behalf of this country in relation to the FATCA legislation. All of which means a trip to Washington is most welcome at this moment.

It is interesting to note the decision by Trump to engage the leaders of Panama and Trinidad and Tobago, in a sign of the strategic importance of both countries.

Panama is key when it comes to trade and security matters and this country is also a gateway to Caricom States and to Latin America, particularly our neighbour Venezuela.

Rowley will have his task cut out for him in dealing with a figure who has shown disturbing dictatorial qualities, has attacked his own Judiciary for striking down racist executive orders and has managed his financial affairs in a manner that has violated guidelines set by ethics watchdogs.

It is good that the line of communication is open. But against all hope, that line cannot be a oneway affair.