The leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) were encouraged this Wednesday by the message from the Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, about greater cooperation, after months of distancing and pressure due to disagreements over Venezuela and Cuba.
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, told the press that Rubio’s brief statements at the Caricom meeting being held in Saint Kitts and Nevis were, in his opinion, “very encouraging.”
The US has long been Caribbean nations’ most reliable partner. In today’s meeting with Caribbean Community leaders we reaffirmed our shared commitment to greater security in the region. pic.twitter.com/L27rUiU0gc
—Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 25, 2026
“At one point, we were very concerned about what the message would be, but I have to say that it is a very positive message to help secure the future of the Caribbean countries, working closely with them, recognizing that we are united by geography and our people,” said Browne, quoted by EFE.
Browne noted that the Caribbean has “the largest diaspora in the United States” and that Rubio has shown “a level of commitment to strengthening the relationship between the United States and Caricom.”
Recovery of Venezuela and fight against transnational crime
Also the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, said that he was encouraged by the meeting that the leaders had with Rubio and that “it is important to highlight the positive aspect of his presence in the Caribbean.”
“It is a clear intention of the United States to dialogue, share their points of view and concerns, and also to listen to ours,” he stated.
Rubio urged Caricom member countries to collaborate in the recovery of Venezuela and in the fight against transnational crime in the region.
Numerous Caricom members have been critical of recent US actions in the region, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro and attacks on vessels allegedly related to drug trafficking.
The Cuba issue
Another issue of friction is Cuba. Many Caribbean leaders reject the US blockade of Havana and the fact that the United States is pressuring them to end Cuban medical missions in their countries.
In this regard, Skerrit pointed out that it is “important that the dialogue continues,” since there are several issues that must be discussed to “find mutual approaches.”
We must speak plainly about what is happening in Cuba.
Cuba is our Caribbean neighbor. Their doctors and teachers have supported countries across our region, including Jamaica. Our histories are connected, and we care deeply about the Cuban people.
Today, many Cubans are… pic.twitter.com/vGP1KIiIaq
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) February 25, 2026
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also referred to Cuba, which he said “is our Caribbean neighbor” and “its doctors and teachers have supported countries throughout the region, including Jamaica.”
“This moment demands responsible leadership and constructive dialogue, particularly between Cuba and the United States, to ease tensions and promote reform and stability.”
Jamaica will continue to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people, said Holness, who stressed that “it will support practical measures that lead to stability and shared prosperity for our region.” Her speech contrasts with other critics of the Havana Government, as happened with that of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Haiti
On the agenda of the ordinary meeting of Caricom heads of government, another of the highlights was the situation in Haiti, which is mired in a serious political, social and security crisis due to gang violence.
Today I addressed the opening ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
I am grateful to be present and to reaffirm Trinidad and Tobago’s vested commitment to regional cooperation.… pic.twitter.com/zW6tyBxglR— Kamla Persad-Bissessar (@PM_Kamla) February 25, 2026
The Prime Minister of Haiti, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, told the press that he also felt encouraged by the meetings with Rubio, according to the Spanish agency.
“It was very good. It wants to reinforce the long-term relationship that exists between the United States and the Caribbean, and we are going to strengthen it for mutual benefit,” he added.
Caricom members are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
