00:00International relations expert Dr. Karen Niles tells the Morning Edition that while the United Nation Human Rights High Commissioner's mandate
00:09was ultimately renewed,
00:11this country's decision to join a small group of countries opposing the extension marks a significant departure from its long
00:19-standing voting pattern alongside CARICOM.
00:22What this really signals is not just a shift in Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, but really a deepening
00:33of a shift in the alliance that we have had in the last couple of years.
00:39So, as you know, we have voted as a bloc with CARICOM historically, right?
00:45And so, where CARICOM goes, we tend to go. CARICOM will negotiate its internal position first, and then we vote
00:53CARICOM.
00:54The Foreign Affairs Ministry has defended the vote, maintaining that it reflects concerns about the appointment process rather than the
01:03High Commissioner's performance.
01:05However, Dr. Niles argues the decision carries wider diplomatic implications, noting that a different position could have been explored.
01:15Why did we not abstain? If the parliament is not the person, voting no is a very strong signal, versus
01:27an abstention which says we're not going to vote no, but we're not going to vote yes because we have
01:33reservations.
01:34Dr. Niles says he has no objection to partnerships with the U.S., as it would provide many benefits.
01:41However, he says, what remains absent is a clearly articulated foreign policy.
01:48The shifts might even be intentional, you know? So, why the development context is missing?
01:53And then, two, the details of the development plan is missing, so that we all know, okay, listen, this is
02:00what's actually happening,
02:01and this is also why we are shifting away from a CARICOM-based foreign policy to a U.S.-based foreign
02:10policy.
02:11The context is missing.
02:14Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
Comments