BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) foreign ministers have been informed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the Caribbean before the end of March for discussions on key regional matters.
Last Sunday, US Special Envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mauricio Claver-Carone, met in Washington with representatives from Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
While the exact itinerary of Rubio’s visit remains undisclosed, sources revealed that discussions will focus on critical topics such as economic development, energy, and security, particularly concerning Haiti.
Caricom Defends Cuban Health Programme Amid US Restrictions
One of the key points of contention is Washington’s expanded visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in Cuba’s overseas medical missions. The US argues that these missions exploit Cuban healthcare workers, while Caricom leaders have strongly defended the programme, citing its significant contributions to regional healthcare.
Prime Ministers from Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago have publicly supported Cuba’s health initiatives. Grenada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall reaffirmed the country’s commitment to standing by Cuba, emphasizing that Cuban medical personnel played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, Claver-Carone stated that the US is not solely targeting Caricom states but is implementing a global approach, with similar policies affecting countries like Italy and Qatar. He also proposed that Cuban medical personnel be given the opportunity to work independently under International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Haiti Crisis: US and Caricom Discuss Security Challenges
Discussions also centered on the worsening security situation in Haiti, where criminal gangs have destabilized the country since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
The US envoy emphasized the importance of international support for the Haitian National Police to counter gang-related violence. He also reassured Caricom that the US would not back any policy leading to Haiti’s further decline into a lawless state.
Additionally, Claver-Carone committed to relaying Haiti’s urgent requests for security assistance, including better equipment to match the firepower of armed gangs.
Venezuela and Regional Stability
The meeting also addressed regional stability, particularly concerning Venezuela. Economic and energy-related policies were highlighted as priorities in dealing with the crisis.
The discussions concluded with both sides acknowledging the need for a strong and continuous dialogue between Caricom and the US to foster progress and cooperation on regional matters.
