CARICOM Leaders to Meet Ahead of U.S. Secretary of State’s Visit to Jamaica

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders will convene on Friday ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamaica next Wednesday, sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young confirmed discussions with Barbados Prime Minister and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley in preparation for the meeting. While details remain undisclosed, key agenda items include the escalating crisis in Haiti, where gangs are attempting to overthrow the government ahead of planned elections in November, and the ongoing Guyana-Venezuela border dispute.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves recently met with Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela to mediate tensions over the Essequibo region. Gonsalves emphasized the risk of economic and social destabilization in Latin America and the Caribbean if the conflict escalates.

Leaders will also discuss a proposed regional debt swap and the impact of new U.S. restrictions on Chinese-built ships entering American ports.

Rubio’s visit follows discussions in Washington between U.S. Special Envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone and representatives from several CARICOM nations. His agenda in Jamaica includes talks on Cuba’s medical program, energy, economic development, and Haiti’s security situation.

However, not all CARICOM leaders are expected to attend in person.