Groundswell of Support for Kamala Harris Campaign in Caribbean | Analysis and Prospects

The Jamaica Gleaner recently reported that “there has been a groundswell of support among Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals for the Kamala Harris campaign for President of the US.”

While it was unfortunate for President Biden to exit the race for his re-election, it was the best option for the Democratic Party and Biden’s legacy. His departure has injected new enthusiasm, energy, and excitement into the campaign with Harris at the helm. Not since Obama’s 2008 campaign have we seen such positive momentum.

Harris has the professional capacity and experience to defeat Trump. In contrast, her opponent Donald Trump is a loudmouth, bully, liar, and convicted felon who seems to believe that governance is about dominance.

Former Republican governor and presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, said in an interview on May 16, 2024, that “character is the single most important thing in selecting the person to lead a nation.” Trump clearly does not meet the minimum traditional standards of a presidential candidate, and I very much look forward to seeing a Trump/Harris debate. I believe that Kamala Harris will win this debate.

A recent article in Barbados Today titled Caribbean’s Silver Lining in US Presidential Race speaks about “the prospects of a Kamala Harris presidency giving hope among Caribbean leaders of a new era of improved relations.” While this may be true, we should be very careful not to exaggerate or expect too many benefits from a Harris administration. I distinctly remember when I served as Ambassador to the US that many Bajans expected that we could get Obama to visit Barbados, especially as he had been to Port of Spain in 2011. What we should have realized was that Obama was in Trinidad not because of Trinidad but because it was the location for the Summit of the Americas, where all the leaders of the Western Hemisphere were expected to attend.

It is worth noting that time is very precious for the President of the US—his position involves numerous important and critical issues around the clock. A trip to Barbados could raise questions in some circles regarding whether or not it was the best use of his time. On the matter of image and use of time, I was aware of concerns by staff members of the US Attorney General, Eric Holder, who visited Barbados several times. Some were worried that someone could take a photo of him on a Barbados beach and imply that he was on vacation. What I can confirm is that Eric Holder was an excellent resourcel for Barbados and a friend who was always very helpful.

While it is great to be in contact with the President of the US, I think that from a practical and pragmatic viewpoint we would be better off spending our time and effort engaging members of the State Department, Congress, Senate, and their staff. We must know how the system works and build relationships and nurture them on an ongoing basis—the approach has to be more like a cricket test match and not a T20 game.

Kamala Harris has family connections in Jamaica, and I am sure she would have favorable relations with CARICOM. However, it is simply unrealistic and impractical to think that she will give us any special favor. In the final analysis, whatever the topic is, it must make sense. Whenever dealing with any politician, we must remember that once elected, their next goal is to get re-elected. Hence, in presenting a proposal, we should (whenever possible) show that by assisting you, it is likely to help them raise funds and/or get votes.

In the meantime, wishing Kamala Harris lots of luck in her presidential campaign! We should also lobby to have Kamala invite Mia, (given her image as a global leader) to Washington after her inauguration!

John Beale is a former Barbados Ambassador to the US and the OAS.