KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to ensure the restoration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, following last Saturday’s military invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on drug-related charges.
The PNP is also calling on the Jamaican government to “stand up for and unequivocally support” the “well-established principles which have long guided Jamaica’s stance and reputation in international affairs”.
In its statement, the PNP said that in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations as the source of world peace and stability, it wanted to reassert its “commitment to a system of rule-based governance of international relations, in which the use of force is kept strictly within the limits permitted by international law.
“We uphold each nation’s right to self-determination and to autonomy over its natural resources, even as we encourage adherence to democratic norms and the protection of human rights.
“We recognize that the use of force to effect regime change or to secure other political or economic interests in the Caribbean threatens our region’s peace and security, and risks broader conflict and the further descent into a more dangerous and insecure world, to the common detriment of mankind.”
The PNP said that it is also reasserting that smaller nations “must of necessity rely on and stand by the rule of international law to protect our independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests, and must join in collective solidarity to preserve our shared interests by steadfastly upholding these principles.
“The PNP affirms that this moment requires Caricom to similarly reassert its commitment to these principles and to the restoration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, recognizing that these principles have been the firm foundation on which our regional organization has operated for many years, to our mutual benefit and in furtherance of our mutual interests,” it said.
Last weekend, the United States military invaded Venezuela and seized President Nicolas Maduro on allegations of being involved in the illegal drug trade.
Maduro and his wife appeared in a Federal Court in New York on Monday, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter was adjourned to March 17 this year.
The 25-page indictment accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. They could face life in prison if convicted.
Both the United Nations Security Council and the Organization of American States (OAS) met this week against a sharply altered diplomatic backdrop, with member countries split over whether Washington’s move upholds accountability or undermines a foundational principle of international order.
Some delegations argue the action was exceptional and justified; others warn it risks normalising the use of unilateral force and eroding state sovereignty.
The United States rejected characterisations of its actions as military aggression, describing the operation as a targeted law enforcement measure facilitated by the military to arrest an indicted fugitive.
In a statement issued last weekend and repeated during the OAS meeting, CARICOM leaders reiterated their call for “peaceful dialogue” to ensure stability in Venezuela.
“CARICOM is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law and multilateralism enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and respect for human dignity.
“The Region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the people of Venezuela,” the regional leaders said, adding that “CARICOM remains ready to support all such efforts, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
President Donald Trump has said that his administration intends to “run” Venezuela from Washington.
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