Caribbean, Latin America Leaders React To Donald Trump’s Victory

Thousands of anti-Trump protesters shut down 5th Avenue in front of Trump Tower as New Yorkers react to the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States on November 9, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Nov. 10, 2016: As immigrant voters expressed shock and awe yesterday and thousands took to the streets in protest of the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, Latin American and Caribbean leaders began reacting to the President-elect.

MEXICO

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto phoned Trump to offer his congratulations Wednesday and said he hoped to start ‘new chapter’ in U.S.-Mexico relations.

This comes as many Mexican undocumented immigrants voiced real fear about their future in the country and as Trump vowed to build a “great big beautiful wall” between the US and Mexico in his first 100 days as President.

GUYANA

Guyana President David Granger also extended congratulations to Trump and expressed hope that relations with Guyana and the U.S will remain strong.

JAMAICA

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness extended congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to Trump and also articulated a shared commitment to achieving and maintaining economic growth and development for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for the peoples of the hemisphere.

GRENADA

The Government and people of Grenada said it looks forward to continued strong relations with Washington under the coming  Trump administration that has marked every Republic and Democratic administration since our independence.

COLOMBIA

In Colombia, President Juan Manuel Santos said cooperation between his country and the U.S. has always transcended partisanship, and he hoped to continue the work with the Republican elected head of state.

VENEZUELA

In Venezuela, the country’s foreign ministry said it hoped to establish a relationship with Trump “based on respect” and “the non-intervention in domestic affairs.”

BRAZIL

Brazil’s government Wednesday congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his victory but called on him not to resort to protectionism as the South American nation strives to boost trade to overcome a severe recession.

“I hope that does not happen,” Foreign Minister Jose Serra told reporters when asked about concerns that Trump could hinder freer trade between the two largest economies in the Americas.

CUBA

The Cuban government said nothing but instead announced it will hold five days of nationwide military exercises to prepare for “a range of enemy action.”

Cuba did not link the exercises to the victory of the Republican candidate. But analysts say such exercises have in the past been held at times of tension or to send a signal to the US.

During his campaign, Trump said he would reverse the recent thaw in relations between Cuba and the US.