Rubio tells CARICOM: US and Caribbean security and stability ‘intricately tied’

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used his first appearance before Caribbean leaders in a decade to signal a renewed U.S. focus on the region, calling security, energy and economic growth shared priorities for Washington and CARICOM nations.

Speaking Wednesday at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Rubio framed his visit as more than symbolic.

“I am very happy to be in an administration that’s giving priority to the Western Hemisphere after largely being ignored for a very long time,” he told regional leaders, adding that the United States wants to “reinvigorate” longstanding relationships rather than reset them.

Rubio, who grew up in Miami, described the Caribbean Basin as “home” and said the region’s security and prosperity are closely linked to that of the United States. “We view our security, our prosperity, our stability to be intricately tied to yours,” he said. “The stronger, the safer, the more prosperous, and the more secure that all of your countries are, the stronger, safer, more secure, and prosperous the United States is going to be.”

Security tops the agenda

Rubio identified transnational criminal organizations as what he called “perhaps the most urgent security threat in the region,” warning that some groups now possess resources that rival those of nation-states.

He referenced U.S. actions tied to Haiti’s security crisis.

“I hope you have seen, both in the case of Haiti but in other dynamics, that we have not shied away, not just from designating groups for what they are – these are terroristic organizations – but even individuals who are responsible for being supportive of them,” Rubio said. “We’ve also gone after them, and this is something that we have as a shared dynamic.”

Rubio acknowledged that narcotics destined for the United States fuel violence and corruption across transit countries, and said the U.S. is also working to curb the flow of American weapons into the hands of criminal groups.

“Our cooperation will have to grow even deeper and our commitment to it will have to grow even stronger because these groups grow stronger,” he said.

Venezuela: From Stability to Recovery

Rubio also addressed developments in Venezuela following what he described as the capture of Nicolás Maduro, arguing that the country is “better off today than it was eight weeks ago.”

He pointed to the release of political prisoners and the closure of Helicoide prison as signs of progress, and said oil revenues are now being used to fund public services and purchase medical equipment.

“There’s a long ways to go,” Rubio said, emphasizing that democratic elections will ultimately be necessary for full legitimacy. “But our initial priority in the aftermath of Maduro’s capture was to ensure that there wasn’t instability, that there wasn’t mass migration, that there wasn’t spillover violence, and we believe we have achieved that.”

He said the United States has reopened its embassy in Caracas and is shifting from a phase of stabilization to one of recovery, arguing that a “prosperous, free Venezuela” could become an important energy partner for the region.

Energy and Investment Opportunities

Beyond security, Rubio highlighted energy cooperation and inbound investment as key areas for collaboration.

“Energy is critical for the future; it’s critical for every economy in order to prosper,” he said, noting that several Caribbean nations are seeking to develop their resources responsibly. “We want to be your partner in that regard.”

He added that Washington wants the Caribbean Basin — including the southern United States — to be seen as attractive for investment and economic diversification.

“The stronger, the safer, the more prosperous, and the more secure that all of your countries are, the stronger, safer, more secure, and prosperous the United States is going to be,” Rubio said. “We view our security, our prosperity, our stability to be intricately tied to yours.”

Rubio said his attendance at the CARICOM meeting was meant as a “real-world demonstration” of U.S. commitment to the region, pledging to make engagement with Caribbean partners a personal priority during his tenure.