US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on his first major trip to the Caribbean this week, marking a significant shift in attention towards the region. As the second Trump administration takes hold, Rubio sees an opportunity to design a new strategy that can yield tangible benefits for both US and regional interests.
The Caribbean is undergoing profound changes, with rising crime and violence affecting tourism and economies. However, the region also holds immense potential as an energy powerhouse by the end of the decade. With recent discoveries and development, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname are poised to become active players in global oil and gas markets.
Rubio’s visit is a chance for him to see how the second Trump administration approaches this critical but often overlooked region. A successful strategy must be a whole-of-government effort that leverages existing diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships. Institutionalized engagement with local business chambers and development institutions can help offset political uncertainty associated with upcoming general elections.
Reducing crime and violence should take precedence, particularly given the scale of the problem. The US Congress recently introduced the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act, allocating $88 million annually through 2029 to address security challenges. Increased technical assistance from the Pentagon and US Southern Command is needed to enhance police and military capacity, ensuring greater stability for Caribbean countries.
On the energy front, increased investment in the region’s market is crucial. Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname offer significant opportunities for US companies to invest in natural gas projects. Building and operating new ammonia and urea plants can create a ready-made market for export, while geothermal exploration provides another potential avenue.
To support these efforts, Rubio should consider partnering with the US International Development Finance Corporation to subsidize pre-project costs for US companies willing to take on energy projects in the Caribbean. Strengthening relations with the region will be vital to US national security and economic interests, with tangible benefits expected over the next four years and beyond.
As the Caribbean is often referred to as the “third border” of the United States, Rubio’s trip represents a significant opportunity to invest resources, assistance, and institutionalized engagement. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for both US and regional interests.
Source: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-us-needs-to-build-a-new-caribbean-policy-rubios-trip-to-the-region-can-be-the-first-step