By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
Diplomatic tensions and security concerns are at the forefront of Caribbean affairs tonight. As U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concludes high-level talks in St. Kitts, a deadly maritime clash off the coast of Cuba and an upcoming presidential summit in Miami have signaled a significant shift in Western Hemisphere relations. Here is your Thursday evening news summary.
CARICOM: Rubio Pledges Cooperation Amid Shift in Energy Policy
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with CARICOM heads of state in Basseterre to address growing regional anxieties regarding U.S. foreign policy.
- Gang Violence & Stability: Rubio assured leaders of a continued U.S. commitment to tackling transnational crime and gang violence, which has seen a sharp uptick across the archipelago.
- Energy Relief for Cuba: In a major policy pivot, the U.S. Treasury has authorized the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba for commercial and humanitarian purposes. This move aims to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and potential migration surge triggered by previous fuel blockades.
- The “Maduro Factor”: While Rubio defended the January 3rd ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Caribbean leaders remain cautious about the long-term stability of the region during the current Venezuelan transition.
Security: Deadly Speedboat Clash Rocks Cuban Waters
The Cuban government reported a violent encounter late Wednesday involving a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters.
- The Incident: Cuban officials claim the vessel’s passengers opened fire on soldiers first, wounding an officer. In the retaliatory fire, four people were killed and six others wounded.
- Terrorism Allegations: The Cuban Interior Ministry asserts the ten men on board were armed Cuban nationals living in the U.S. intent on “infiltration with terrorist ends.”
- U.S. Response: At the airport in Basseterre, Secretary Rubio stated that various U.S. agencies are currently verifying the “unusual” details of the story and promised a formal response once the facts are established.
Bilateral: Presidents Ali and Trump Set for Miami Summit
A major security summit is on the horizon as Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar prepare to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Miami next week.
- Security Agenda: President Ali confirmed the invitation on the sidelines of the CARICOM summit, noting that while the full agenda is still being finalized, the focus will be on strengthening bilateral security frameworks.
- Regional Context: The meeting comes after years of deepened cooperation between the U.S. and the two energy-rich nations, particularly regarding maritime security and the fight against narcotrafficking.
