CARICOM chairman addresses U.S.-Caribbean Dialogue in Washington

Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, acting as chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is addressing the United States-Caribbean Dialogue in Washington. The discussions aim to focus on cooperation regarding affordable energy, investment, employment, public safety, and disaster recovery.

The dialogue occurs amid regional tension regarding U.S. military actions and deportation policies. Since September 2025, U.S. military strikes conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific have resulted in at least 238 deaths, according to USNI News. While the U.S. administration has highlighted Venezuelan and Colombian crews, investigations have identified Caribbean nationals among the deceased, including citizens from Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia.

Regional leaders are also navigating concerns regarding third-country deportation deals and the impact of lethal maritime strikes, which have occurred with limited Caribbean input into the terms of engagement.