Caribbean Community leaders will convene in Bridgetown ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamaica. Key topics include Haiti’s political instability, the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, and a regional debt swap concept. Not all leaders are expected to attend, but the meeting aims to strengthen collaboration within the Caribbean amidst external pressures.
On March 20, 2025, Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders are preparing for a critical meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, ahead of the upcoming visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Jamaica. During this meeting, regional leaders will discuss significant issues, including the precarious situation in Haiti amidst a government threat from criminal gangs, as well as plans for new elections in November.
The agenda will also cover updates concerning the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines recently held discussions with Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, aiming to ease tensions over the disputed Essequibo region. Gonsalves cautioned that any escalation could disrupt stability in both countries and the wider Latin American and Caribbean region.
In addition to these pressing matters, the leaders will deliberate on a concept for a regional debt swap and address the implications of U.S. charges on ships built in China that are destined for U.S. ports. Secretary Rubio’s impending visit, set for next Wednesday, is anticipated to center on key topics affecting CARICOM’s relations with the United States, including economic development and Haiti’s security status.
While not all regional leaders are expected to attend the talks in Jamaica, the meeting is deemed crucial for advancing collaborative efforts and addressing the issues of mutual concern among Caribbean nations. The Caricom meeting is anticipated to foster dialogue and strategize pathways forward for the region in light of external pressures.
The forthcoming Caricom leaders’ meeting is designed to tackle notable regional issues, such as the crises in Haiti and the Guyana-Venezuela border tensions, while also discussing a potential debt swap initiative. As they prepare for Secretary Rubio’s visit, the meeting underscores the importance of unity among Caribbean nations to address challenges and enhance cooperation with the United States.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
