“This is not friendship; it is placing us under stress” Former PM doubles down on criticism of the U.S.

August 3, 2026

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding has doubled down on his criticism of the United States, which he says is placing Jamaica and other Caribbean nations under severe stress.

Mr. Golding pointed to the impact of recent U.S. policies and resulting outrage by Jamaican nationals and Caribbean citizens.

The former Prime Minister posited that the U.S. approach to the region is not guided by friendship.

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Mr. Golding said true friends do not make unreasonable demands.

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He acknowledged the concern by nationals who have called for more to be done to push back against the demands of the U.S.

He noted the position taken by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against the U.S.

However, Mr. Golding cautioned that Jamaica has to act with wisdom, given its trade relations with the U.S.

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