CARICOM & Marco Rubio: Unity & Security in the Hood

M.A. Dworkin

St. Kitts and Nevis - The Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met in St. Kitts and Nevis on February 25, 2026, marking the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM, (Caribbean Community and Common Market) with Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State (SOS) of the United States of America, attending the meeting and actively engaging in a highly constructive conversation dealing with the common interests of all those involved. 

Considering the strong historical, diplomatic, familial, and economic ties and cooperation that has existed over the years between the U.S. and the Caribbean nations, the matter of security seems to loom larger than ever before. Given the recent upheavals in the Caribbean Sea involving the Trump Administration’s attacks on drug-carrying vessels, there is a clear platform for all to continue to work together to build a stronger, safer, more secure and prosperous Caribbean and United States in the U.S.-Caribbean neighborhood.

At the 50th annual meeting, it was agreed that it was appropriate to present a Cooperation Framework in accordance with the needs and interests of the Caribbean Community and the USA in the 21st century. This framework should address a structured Migration Program, security cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, disaster recovery efforts, human development and technical assistance. It was recognized that the last serious and coherent engagement between members of the Caribbean Community and the USA took place almost 50 years ago under President Ronald Reagan.

“Our solemn duty is to move, as the theme for this meeting urges, beyond words to action for a sustainable, thriving CARICOM,” stated CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, CARICOM demonstrated our characteristic resilience, the strength of our collective resolve, and the value of mutual support.”  

With SOS Marco Rubio present, it was hard to not address the matter of the challenging situation in Cuba. Mr. Rubio is a staunch advocate for regime change in the communist island nation. All parties recognized that there should be efforts to address the growing humanitarian crisis that had been exacerbated by the recent overthrow of the Maduro government in Venezuela by the Trump Administration, and the ensuing U.S. oil embargo placed on all oil shipments coming into Cuba.  

Members of CARICOM were indeed cognizant of their very close relationship with both Cuba and the U.S., and relayed to Mr. Rubio the extent to which the Region can be negatively impacted by the crisis facing the Cuban people. The group also pledged humanitarian support to the people of Cuba.

What did in fact come out of the meeting was an easing of the oil embargo by the Trump Administration to allow shipments of oil for use by commercial entities and for humanitarian use, excluding the use by government institutions, intelligence services and the Cuban military. 

Although the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is not a full member of CARICOM, primarily because it is an unincorporated Territory of the United States, which means it lacks the sovereign independence required for full membership. Also, it would require White House authorization to join; and as a U.S. Territory governed under the 1954 Revised Organic Act, it is bound by federal law and economic policies, which conflict with the free movement of people and specific trade regulations within the CARICOM organization.

USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is actively forging a closer, strategic partnership between the USVI and CARICOM to boost regional economic integration, particularly through maritime connectivity, trade, and workforce development. As of 2024, the USVI is establishing a formal relationship with the Caribbean Community to address shared goals in economic growth, crime, and health. Governor Bryan has emphasized this new relationship is essential for creating job opportunities and bolstering the economic resilience of the USVI by integrating it more deeply with its Caribbean neighbors.

On the final day of the meeting, the Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St. Kitts, the Honorable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to repertory justice. The adoption of the Ten Point Plan for Reparations, a landmark manifesto, endorsed by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2014, continues to serve as the guiding framework for negotiations with European nations. The plan outlines a comprehensive path toward justice and healing for the Caribbean nations whose people suffered indescribable horrors at the hands of the slave traders during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

CARICOM continues to exhibit its unwavering determination to keep reparations at the forefront of international dialogue. It is with renewed energy and strategic focus that CARICOM amplifies its voice on the global stage ensuring that the call for reparatory justice resonates across countries and generations.