Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the heads of government from the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas on May 6, 2025, in a bid to enhance regional cooperation and combat key drivers of violence and instability.
The meeting aimed to underscore the urgent need for strengthened intelligence-sharing, security cooperation, and border security through initiatives like the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The U.S. Secretary emphasized the importance of responsible decision-making when selecting vendors and contractors for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring they are not vulnerable to privacy and security risks and exploitation by malign actors.
Rubio also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to holding accountable Cuban regime officials, foreign government officials, and those involved in facilitating Cuba's forced labor scheme, including its medical missions. This stance was underscored as a crucial aspect of countering human trafficking and illicit activities in the region.
In light of hurricane season approaching, Secretary Rubio announced the reactivation of two U.S.-administered programs to strengthen early warning systems and provide rapid, life-saving assistance across the Caribbean. These initiatives will focus on enhancing disaster preparedness and response efforts in affected communities.
The meeting participants included Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
This gathering marked a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between the U.S. and Caribbean partners in addressing pressing regional challenges.