US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Caribbean leaders in Saint Kitts and Nevis during the 50th meeting of CARICOM, pledging closer US–Caribbean cooperation on gang violence and energy security.
Rubio said relations with the region would be a “personal priority”, marking his second visit in under a year.
“We have a long history of working together on responding” to challenges, Rubio said, according to a State Department transcript of his address.
“We are committed and continue to work very hard with our law enforcement agencies to shut that down,” he said. “These are terroristic organizations.”
“There are extraordinary opportunities for economic advancement, to work together,” he said. “ Energy is critical for the future; it’s critical for every economy in order to prosper.”
Key developments:
• Warning that transnational criminal organisations pose a major threat to both the Caribbean and the United States.
• Backing a UN-authorised Gang Suppression Force for Haiti, due to deploy in April 2026.
• Acknowledging concerns over US-sourced firearms contributing to Caribbean homicide rates.
• Highlighting energy partnerships, including potential engagement with Venezuela under Delcy Rodríguez’s interim administration.
Rubio defended US policy following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, stating Venezuela is “better off” and could become a stable energy partner.
ℹ️ Miami Herald
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