US Lawmakers Urge High-Level Delegation to CARICOM Leaders Summit

Introduction

CARICOM leaders at their 50th anniversary summit

WASHINGTON, CMC—The United States is being urged to send a high-level delegation to the Caribbean Community (CRICOM) leaders summit, which will be held in Barbados later this week.

Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Joaquin Castro, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Yvette Clarke, and Stacey Plaskett have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the State Department to send the delegation to the February 19-21 summit.

The Summit’s Significance

In their February 15 letter, the US lawmakers said that the summit, which will be held under the theme “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development,” will provide the United States with the “opportunity to deepen its commitment to our mutually beneficial diplomatic, energy, economic, and security ties with partners in the Caribbean region.”

“The Caribbean is not just our neighbor but a key pillar of US national security. As the third border of the United States, the Caribbean is indispensable in addressing regional challenges, from countering illicit drug trafficking to curbing irregular migration and human smuggling.”

US Interests in the Caribbean

They said the Caribbean is essential to US trade and energy security, serving as a crucial hub for shipping lanes and a strategic partner in diversifying energy sources.

“It is a region where the United States remains the number one trading partner and welcomes millions of US citizens annually, while a vibrant Caribbean diaspora here in the United States solidifies our economic and cultural bridges. ”

US-CARICOM Cooperation

The Lawmakers said that “bolstering cooperation with, and the capacity of, our Caribbean partners through high-level engagement serves as a force multiplier for the region’s litany of US national security and economic priorities.

“Moreover, as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) expands its influence in the Caribbean and Western Hemisphere through investments in energy and port infrastructure, sustained high-level.”

Addressing the Crisis in Haiti

They said US engagement is necessary to keep PRC coercion at bay, noting that continued US support for economic development, natural disaster resilience, and democratic governance is crucial to providing an alternative to China’s pernicious model in the CARICOM area during a year with six national elections–including in two Taiwan-allied states—in the region.

They said engaging with CARICOM also supports the vital regional cooperation Washington has indicated is necessary to address the crisis in Haiti.

Conclusion

The US lawmakers emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the Caribbean region, highlighting the region’s strategic location and its significance to US national security and economic interests.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the CARICOM leaders summit?
A: The summit aims to promote regional cooperation, economic growth, and sustainable development in the Caribbean region.

Q: Why is the US urged to send a high-level delegation to the summit?
A: The US lawmakers believe that the summit presents an opportunity for the US to deepen its commitment to its mutually beneficial diplomatic, energy, economic, and security ties with partners in the Caribbean region.

Q: What are the US interests in the Caribbean?
A: The US has significant trade and energy security interests in the Caribbean, serving as a crucial hub for shipping lanes and a strategic partner in diversifying energy sources.

Q: How does the US-CARICOM cooperation benefit the region?
A: The US-CARICOM cooperation has the potential to promote regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance, as well as provide an alternative to China’s pernicious model in the region.