Urgent Response to U.S. Policy Threats Concerning the Panama Canal

Letter to CARICOM,
cc: To Caribbean and Central American Heads of Government

Dear Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett,

Re: Urgent Response to U.S. Policy Threats Concerning the Panama Canal

I write as President of Caribbean Labour Solidarity (CLS), an organization committed to advocating for justice, sovereignty, and solidarity among the peoples of the Caribbean and beyond. This letter is prompted by President Donald Trump’s alarming declaration in his January 20, 2025, inaugural address, in which he vowed to “take back” the Panama Canal.

This rhetoric echoes past U.S. interventions and suggests a potential return to policies of coercion and dominance. The Monroe Doctrine and its modern iterations, including Manifest Destiny, have long justified U.S. expansion at the expense of Latin American and Caribbean sovereignty. Historically, such policies have led to military interventions, economic manipulation, and the erosion of self-determination across our region. President Trump’s invocation of Manifest Destiny is particularly troubling, as it signals an imperialist ambition that threatens not only Panama but the entire hemisphere.

The Panama Canal was peacefully transferred to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999,  under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Any U.S. attempt to reclaim control would undermine international law, set a dangerous precedent, and erode regional sovereignty. The economic and military dominance of the U.S. has repeatedly destabilized Latin America and the Caribbean, and Trump’s statements suggest a renewed push for expansion that could have dire consequences.

Wider Implications: Canada and Greenland

It is to be noted that this policy shift not only affects the Central American and Caribbean region but also threatens the stability of the hemisphere. Canada’s sovereignty has been challenged by U.S. economic and security interests, raising concerns about its autonomy in key policy areas. Additionally, Greenland’s ongoing push for independence from Denmark may place it in the crosshairs of U.S. strategic ambitions, given its geographic and resource significance.

A Coordinated CARICOM Response

Caribbean Labour Solidarity calls upon CARICOM to take immediate action by:

  • Coordinating Regional and International Solidarity: Engaging with Latin American and global partners to resist any attempts to undermine Panama’s sovereignty.
  • Issuing a Public Statement: Condemning unilateral U.S. actions and reaffirming regional commitment to self-determination.
  • Engaging Diplomatically with the U.S: Seeking formal clarification and advocating through diplomatic channels, including the United Nations.
  • Supporting Panama: Expressing moral, political, and material support to resist external pressure.

A Call for Unity and Action

An affront to Panama’s sovereignty is an affront to the entire region. History will judge us by our actions. Failure to respond decisively risks emboldening those who seek to erode our sovereignty and stability. CLS stands ready to support CARICOM in any initiatives to address this pressing issue.

We look forward to your prompt action and would welcome further engagement on this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information or support.