HEAD of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona’s Department of Government Dr Lisa Ann Vasciannie has warned that low voter turnout across the Caribbean is weakening the region’s ability to advocate effectively on major international issues, including nuclear safety and security.

Speaking on Tuesday at the inaugural Freedom Lecture hosted by the Norman Manley Law School in collaboration with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Vasciannie argued that while Caribbean countries have long relied on diplomacy, coalition building and international law to protect their interests, those efforts ultimately depend on strong democratic participation at home.

She said the Caribbean has never been insulated from the consequences of global geopolitical tensions, pointing to issues ranging from nuclear waste shipments through regional waters to the peaceful use of nuclear technology in health care, agriculture, food security and climate resilience.