Dayton Reporter

The "neighborhood watch" concept familiar to many Americans could soon expand its reach as Representative Rick Crawford suggests adopting it across the Western Hemisphere. Crawford emphasizes that this model would require a collective effort, engaging all involved parties to actively participate and commit to the initiative.

Addressing threats from adversaries like Russia and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Crawford notes that these entities threaten to weaken alliances and exploit regional neighbors. Over two decades, as the U.S. focused on the war on terror, adversaries have advanced throughout the Western Hemisphere, using strategies such as corruption and economic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Crawford highlights the CCP's influence in the Caribbean, describing financial investments in infrastructure across countries like Suriname, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas. By 2022, ten Caribbean countries had joined the Belt and Road Initiative, illustrating the CCP's strategic foothold in a resource-dense region.

Despite these developments, Crawford maintains that nations in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) prefer the U.S. as a partner. He emphasizes the need for the U.S. government and companies to take action to challenge the CCP's growing influence. Crawford cites a recent visit to Guyana by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stressed that U.S. companies need to capitalize on investment opportunities in the CARICOM region.

Crawford urges a unified "whole-of-hemisphere" approach to counter the CCP's long-term strategy. This involves introducing CARICOM countries to capitalism's benefits while addressing mutual strategic interests. He concludes by warning of the potential losses if efforts aren't made to combat these challenges.

Rick Crawford serves as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.