ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Aug. 15, 2024: As Vice President Kamala Harris stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first woman to ascend to the presidency of the United States, it’s crucial to acknowledge a vital aspect of her heritage that has been consistently overlooked—her Caribbean roots. This legacy, notably influenced by her father, a Jamaican-born economist, is rich in culture, history, and resilience. It presents an opportunity for a transformative direction in U.S. relations with the Caribbean, Central, and South America—regions that have historically been neglected by American administrations.
With a heritage rooted in a region that, despite its proximity to the U.S., has often been marginalized in foreign policy, Harris’s background is more than academic; it resonates with the significant contributions of the Caribbean. This region is not just known for its beautiful landscapes; it possesses vast natural resources, cultural diversity, and economic potential. Moreover, it has embodied the struggles against colonialism, economic exploitation, and the pursuit of true sovereignty.
Kamala Harris must recognize her Caribbean heritage as a crucial foundation for a new era of diplomacy and collaboration. It’s time for her to embrace these roots and sharpen U.S. policy towards countries to the south—acknowledging that the Caribbean, alongside Central and South America, deserves far more engagement from Washington.
For too long, U.S. policy in this essential region has been characterized by neglect. Previous administrations have directed their focus elsewhere, allowing for economic instability, political unrest, and the rising influence of other global powers, particularly China. This approach has been marked by a lack of proactive engagement, and it’s time for a change. Kamala Harris is in a unique position to lead that transformation.
Envision a future where the Caribbean and Latin America are not sidelined in U.S. foreign policy but are central to it—where these neighbors are viewed as partners in a collective pursuit of prosperity, security, and democracy. With her strong personal ties to the Caribbean, Harris can spearhead this new approach, one that resonates with the ideals of economic justice advocated by her father.
This new policy initiative must transcend mere rhetoric. It needs to be a dedicated and sustained effort to engage our southern neighbors on crucial issues: economic development, climate change, migration, and the fortification of democratic institutions. It should focus on creating beneficial trade agreements, investing in vital infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development to alleviate inequality.
Kamala Harris’s presidency has the potential to usher in a new chapter in U.S.-Caribbean and Latin American relations—one where these regions are recognized for their strategic importance in a globally interconnected world.
In her upcoming acceptance speech, Kamala Harris should honor the influence of her father and the Caribbean heritage that informs her vision. She should articulate the dreams he fostered for a just and equitable world and how these aspirations will guide her in shaping U.S. foreign policy—valuing relationships with neighboring nations as highly as connections across oceans.
This effort is not merely about correcting previous oversights; it is about crafting a future where the United States collaborates with Caribbean, Central, and South American nations as equals. Kamala Harris has the exceptional opportunity to redefine the principles of good neighborliness, shifting from outdated paradigms of dominance to frameworks centered on cooperation and mutual respect.
