US Secretary of State Tells CARICOM US Security and Energy Ties to Caribbean Will Deepen

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deeper engagement with the Caribbean, telling regional leaders that the United States views the region’s security and prosperity as closely tied to its own.  Rubio delivered the remarks yesterday at the 50^th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis, where he addressed leaders on shared threats and opportunities facing the hemisphere.  In his address, the U.S. top diplomat identified transnational criminal organizations as the most urgent security threat confronting the region. He warned that many of these groups possess resources and firepower rivaling some nation-states and said their activities, fueled largely by narcotrafficking, pose dangers both to Caribbean transit countries and to the United States.  Rubio acknowledged that weapons used by these groups are often sourced from the United States and pledged continued cooperation with regional partners to disrupt those supply chains. He stressed that security collaboration between CARICOM states and Washington must deepen as criminal networks grow more sophisticated.  Beyond security, Rubio pointed to energy cooperation as a major area of opportunity. He said several Caribbean nations possess energy potential that, if responsibly developed, could drive economic growth and that the United States is prepared to partner with the region in that effort.  The Secretary of State also addressed developments in Venezuela following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, saying the country is now in a phase of stabilization and early recovery. While noting progress by interim authorities, Rubio emphasized that Venezuela’s long-term legitimacy will depend on fair democratic elections. He suggested that a stable and prosperous Venezuela could become an important energy partner for Caribbean states.  Rubio further underscored Washington’s interest in boosting investment flows into the Caribbean, describing the region as one the U.S. wants to help position as attractive for international business. He told leaders that economic diversification efforts underway across CARICOM align with U.S. interests.  In closing, Rubio said his presence at the summit was meant to signal a renewed U.S. priority on the Western Hemisphere and a commitment to “reinvigorating” relations with Caribbean partners.  Regional leaders continue deliberations in St. Kitts and Nevis with security cooperation, economic resilience, and food security high on the CARICOM agenda.