By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister and Chairman of CARICOM Phillip “Brave” Davis on Friday condemned Russia’s violent attacks against Ukraine as he applauded Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his “dignity” and steely determination throughout the war.
President Zelenskyy addressed CARICOM delegates on Friday by video when he explained the ongoing battle with Russia, which has left a trail of devastation in Ukraine.
Russia is not just burning down cities, killing people, and stealing property. It is also destroying the environment, Mr Zelenskyy said.
The president added: “Its aggression brings about destruction and flooding of coal mines. Mines and hostilities in the Black Sea resulted in the death of tens of thousands of living creatures.”
His comments came during the last day of CARICOM meetings in The Bahamas.
On February 24, 2022 the Russian attacks on Ukraine started in such major cities as Berdyansk, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, and the capital, Kyiv.
Mr Zelenskyy noted that currently 18 percent of Ukraine territory was reportedly occupied by Russia, adding no normal life is possible when human life has become worthless due to the violence.
“Russia's domination means no human rights but the rule of militarised gangs. When Russia comes, it means that repressions and murder come. If the Russian flag appears, it means that torture chambers and total looting will appear,” he said.
During his remarks, Mr Zelenskyy stressed that if Russia is successful in any way the balance in the world will change in the favour of violence.
“I know that Russian propaganda – and in your region in particular – draws a completely different picture of what is happening on our land and in Europe. But I warn you that if Russia, God forbid, is successful in any way, the balance in the world will change. Not in favour of law, but in favour of violence,” the president said.
He added that the law must always prevail, adding every state in the world should have the right to its independence and the respect of all others for this independence.
For his part, Mr Davis commended Mr Zelenskyy for his “dignity” and efforts despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Mr Davis on behalf of the Caribbean Community pledged his solidarity with the Ukraine people in their ongoing fight for liberation.
“We have watched in admiration as you and your people have defended yourselves against formidable odds, and with unimaginable bravery. And even as we have watched in horror, the bombs and missiles attacking your towns and villages, we have marvelled at your dignity and steely determination.
“We condemn the actions taken by Russia in violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. And we stand firmly with you and the international community in seeking a just and secure diplomatic solution to this terrible crisis,” Mr Davis said.
Mr Davis also acknowledged the historical challenges the Caribbean region has also shouldered.
Mr Davis continued: “Most of us in the Caribbean region are descended from peoples who were once brutally enslaved. And many of our nations are born out of the ashes of social colonial struggles, fully committed to realising the vision of Independence and the right to self-determination.
“We wish for you now, what we wish for ourselves the right to live freely and peaceably. Alongside neighbours with whom we may or may not agree amongst family and friends, and all those whom we love. Protected by the rule of law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
Comments
GodSpeed 1 year, 2 months ago
Well that's weird. Guess Russia can add one more place to drop a nuke.
carltonr61 1 year, 2 months ago
The Bahamas, praising, the child of Hitler does not like black people at all.
SP 1 year, 2 months ago
Vell, vell, vell, hypocrite Davis condemns Russia for killing people, stealing property, destroying the environment, and violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Haitians have been stealing property, destroying the environment, and violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Bahamas for over 5 decades!
How is the Haitian invasion of the Bahamas any less destructive and intrusive?
IslandWarrior 1 year, 2 months ago
Who is Brave speaking for? He has brought The Bahama's already disgraced name to another low. The greater Caribbean Community agreed to stay neutral in Russia's (NATO) Ukraine conflict. Now we have this dark shame attached to the name of the Caribbean People and The Bahamas. There are many quarters the 'Brave' is not speaking for; it is not the desire of many Bahamians to be labelled as a vessel state of the West and to have the Prime Minister of The Bahamas seen as a credulous puppet.
Are these the terms the Canadian 'Freak' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau laid down for his 'empty pledge'?
Caribbean People are not 'mindless fools'; we are well-read and quite aware of why The Russian Federation resolved to enter Ukraine in defence of the Russian-speaking Ukrainians. For 70+ years, we have seen these same leaders sit by as Palestinians are mowed down like weed, making way for another extremist grouping, and the world acts in quiet acceptance.
Not in my name, 'Brave', not in my name.
Porcupine 1 year, 2 months ago
IslandWarrior,
You have it right. We are short in history, not heeding the warnings of so many cautioning against poking the bear.
truetruebahamian 1 year, 2 months ago
Well said, Mr. Davis. You have reflected my sentiments and those of all who cannot support the rogue actions of Russia. Right thinking people will agree with you and your appreciation of the wider effects of Russia’s disgusting actions taken on its western neighbour.
Porcupine 1 year, 2 months ago
Do your homework. NATO, also known as the US, has backed Russia into a corner. They have encircled Russia with military bases and nuclear weapons, against stated high level promises. How would you feel? What is clear is that your information, and perspective comes from mass media, and social media, instead of investing in educating yourself by in-depth reading of history. I am sorry, but Davis is not a thinker, by any standards.
JokeyJack 1 year, 2 months ago
So half of what's left of our Crown land will go to Ukraine people soon. Bahamians better try make raft from pallet cause dey aint gah have no land leave under det feets.
IslandWarrior 1 year, 2 months ago
...considering the explosion of 'new go zones' now being proposed in our country and a police force that is nothing better than a private 'goon squad' for the tyrannical political class, we may already be there where rafts are needed.
themessenger 1 year, 2 months ago
@islandwarrior, that being the case you better hope our neighbors to the north are more charitable towards Bahamian refugees than Bahamians are towards Haitians.
mandela 1 year, 2 months ago
In Russia a person is thrown in jail for protesting against their leader, the Bahamas is no different from Russia, we just hide under the guise of being a democratic country.
IslandWarrior 1 year, 2 months ago
Next, we will hear how rogue China and The Chinese Army are for defending its sovereignty (Taiwan) because the Americans say so.
TalRussell 1 year, 2 months ago
Those who trade off the very soul of the colony, will soon discover that its a lifetime commitment. ----- Increasingly,. 'loyalty breakers' and critics of regimes, ---- When suddenly all goes silent as to their well-being' - haven't been heard in months and in years after disappearing. ---- And regardless to their position, rank, scale, influence, the extremely wealthy or poor, or how well politically connected,
In numerous posts over the last weeks, I've wondered aloud, ---- Why no local investigative reporter hasn't been looking into a certain type of highly controversial 'security setup' already or about to set up shop here in our colony, ---- Yes?
IslandWarrior 1 year, 2 months ago
You got my attention; what did I miss?
Reality_Check 1 year, 2 months ago
Meanwhile our nation has been invaded by and completely run over with illegal Haitian aliens and their offspring while wutless Davis hob-nobs at home and abroad with the foreign political elite at every possible opportunity he can get. Talk about a cruel and heartless you know what!!
killemwitdakno 1 year, 2 months ago
Feel affirmed that the president sought to reach out to the group in address.
TalRussell 1 year, 2 months ago
Would be a 'first start proactive learning to 'respect the disrespected' forward move, by The Colony's sitting government to appoint to the office of the premiership a 'creole deputy press secretary to the premier,' ---- Yes?
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