U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will address energy security in the Caribbean, illegal immigration, and the dismantling of transnational criminal networks during his upcoming trip to the region. U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone confirmed that Rubio will also discuss allegations regarding a labor program that sends Cuban workers, particularly medical professionals, overseas.
Washington has threatened to revoke visas for government officials in countries that accept Cuban doctors, claiming they are being exploited, while Cuba maintains that its labor standards are aligned with international norms and the medical services provided are vital.
Recent reports indicate that several small Caribbean nations with citizen-by-investment programs may face increased visa restrictions. Claver-Carone emphasized that CBI should not constitute a significant portion of these smaller islands' GDP, noting that it attracts "nefarious actors from China, Iran, and other countries," posing security challenges for the Americas.
Regarding energy, Claver-Carone indicated that Washington would support oil production in Guyana and Suriname, highlighting the need for increased security in Guyana amid tensions with neighboring Venezuela. He pointed out that discussions will heavily focus on the development of the region's oil output, asserting that renewables should not be viewed as a substitute for fossil fuels.
Despite relatively low emissions, the Caribbean's high debt and vulnerable geography render it one of the most susceptible regions worldwide to climate change impacts. In a recent announcement, Trump stated that any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will incur a 25% tariff on trade with the U.S., a country that has historically exported oil across the Caribbean.