Former Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, says China has been offering better opportunities for Jamaica and the Caribbean than the United States.
Mr Golding is reacting to comments by President Obama on Chinese investment in the Caribbean.
Mr Obama told a town hall meeting at the University of the West Indies yesterday that Chinese investment may not necessarily be a bad thing, but “you got to make sure you look at what strings may be attached.”
Mr Golding says the United States does not offer the level of investment that China has been providing to the region.
AND, says Jamaica shouldn’t be forced to choose between China or America.
It’s been described as a battle between the two nations for influence over the Caribbean.
China is rising and so is it’s investment in the region — which is America’s back yard.
Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding says the countries of the region have warmed to China because it provides far more appeasing opportunities than the United States.
Mr. Golding says it shouldn’t be a choice between America and China.
He says there’s space for collaboration with all for the benefit of the people.
The former Prime Minister says America must be honest and highlight the fact that it has significantly reduced its interest in the region.
The White House did admit that their was merit in the perception that America hasn’t paid enough attention to the Caribbean.
But it said President Obama’s visit was part of an effort to change that.
