BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday pledged deeper cooperation with Caribbean nations on safety and financial improvement as the specter of transnational felony group will increase.
Talking on the fiftieth common assembly of the Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM), Rubio emphasised the significance of prioritizing the Western Hemisphere saying that the safety of the U.S. and Caribbean is interconnected.
“There’s extraordinary alternatives,” Rubio mentioned. “We share widespread alternatives, and we share some widespread challenges.”
Rubio warned that drug trafficking networks have amassed funding and firepower that in some circumstances “rival if not exceed that of most of the nation-states that they threaten.” He mentioned narcotics destined for america generate earnings that strengthen felony teams throughout the area.
“They’re clearly fueled by narcotrafficking and different illicit means,” Rubio mentioned. “These medication are destined for america, however the proceeds from these medication , the cash they’re finally making, are being made within the streets of our nation.”
He additionally acknowledged considerations about weapons trafficking, saying many felony teams are buying firearms from america. “We’re dedicated and proceed to work very arduous with our legislation enforcement businesses to close that down,” he mentioned.
Secretary Rubio is in Saint Kitts and Nevis right now collaborating within the Convention of Heads of Authorities of CARICOM with regional leaders. The US has launched a truth sheet on the Caribbean Basin Safety Initiative (CBSI) and an announcement on U.S.-Caribbean cooperation… pic.twitter.com/moVj20l8R2
— US Embassy Jamaica (@USEmbassyJA) February 25, 2026
Along with safety, Rubio highlighted vitality as a key space of partnership. “Vitality is essential for the long run; it’s essential for each financial system to be able to prosper,” he mentioned, including that the U.S. needs to assist Caribbean nations in search of to responsibly develop their sources.
Rubio additionally addressed current developments in Venezuela, saying the nation is “higher off right now than it was eight weeks in the past” following the seize of Nicolás Maduro. He mentioned interim authorities led by Delcy Rodríguez have launched political prisoners, closed the Helicoide jail and directed oil revenues towards public providers and medical gear.
“There’s an extended methods to go,” Rubio mentioned, noting that democratic elections will finally be vital for long-term legitimacy. Nonetheless, he mentioned U.S. priorities have been to stop instability, mass migration and spillover violence.
“We imagine we now have achieved that,” he mentioned.
Rubio mentioned a secure and democratic Venezuela might grow to be “a unprecedented companion and asset” for the area, notably in vitality.
He closed by underscoring the interconnectedness of regional stability. “The stronger, the safer, the extra affluent, and the safer that your whole nations are,” Rubio mentioned, “the stronger, safer, safer, and affluent america goes to be.”
Rubio referred to as his attendance on the summit an indication of U.S. dedication to “reinvigorating {our relationships}” with Caribbean companions.
