WESTERN BUREAU:
UNITED STATES Congresswoman Maxine Walters is of the view that should Republican leader, George W. Bush become the next President of the United States, relations with the Caribbean could suffer.
She also foresees drastic changes coming as it relates to immigration laws and this is one of the issues that the Black Congressional Caucus is fighting against in the 'lame duck' session of Congress.
"We are trying to get permanent residence for immigrants who have been in the US for years. We are trying to equalise the Immigration policy, as there is a difference between Cuba and everyone else. We now have legislation pending which we are trying to get pass, but it is being mightily resisted by the Republicans," she said.
According to her, the Caribbean could be worse off because during a debate, Mr. Bush had stated that Africa would not be a priority and when asked about Haiti, he said that he did not think the US had any business involvement with that country.
"I think that is typical of the kind of thinking that comes from him and would come from his administration that some how, they would have no interest in the Caribbean, or in Africa or in these countries of colour," Ms Walters said.
Ms. Walters, a Democrat, was speaking to reporters at a Welcome Reception of the Fifth Annual Carib News Multinat-ional Business Conference at the Wyndham Hotel in Montego Bay on Thursday night.
She charged that Mr. Bush did not think it was important, neither should the United States spend any money or the US should even have concerns in basic foreign policies about these countries.
"We have access to the Clinton/Gore administration. They are strong allies and friends and we are able to work on important projects and policies together. We don't have that kind of relationship with Mr. Bush. It is not a simple matter of working on legislation and public policies. Mr. Bush is far removed. He doesn't have a concern. Bill Clinton had real concerns and had a familiarity, relationships and grew up with African/Americans. He knew about the injustices and had a commitment to try to change some of them. We have none of that with Mr. Bush," Ms. Walters said.
The Congresswoman said she believes that if Bush succeeds, he will appoint Colin Powell Secretary of State or to a high office. This would be good, but in the final analysis, Powell would remain a Republican and would not be metrically opposed to the policies of his party.
"Our challenge is always to confront whomever is in power as it relates to the concerns of the people of colour and to talk about domestic and international policies.
A total of 38 members of the Black Congressional Caucus attended the conference which started last Thursday and ended yesterday.
