Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has called for United States–Caribbean cooperation to be measured by improvements in people’s lives, identifying affordable electricity, jobs, safer communities and timely disaster assistance as practical benefits the partnership should deliver.
Delivering remarks at the United States–Caribbean Dialogue as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Pierre called for a more strategic partnership sustained by regular dialogue.
“For Caribbean families, energy security means affordable electricity. Economic cooperation means jobs, investment and opportunity. Security cooperation means safer communities. Disaster preparedness means knowing that help will arrive when it is needed,” he said.
The Prime Minister set out specific areas for action, financing for resilient energy systems, predictable trade, stronger commercial partnerships, secure infrastructure, stronger health systems and disaster response, and coordinated action against organised crime and illicit firearms trafficking.
“The strength of today’s meeting will be demonstrated by what follows it,” Prime Minister Pierre stated.
He called for political dialogue to be supported by sustained technical engagement, agreed priorities and clear follow-up arrangements. The CARICOM Secretariat will help coordinate the Community’s technical work alongside national authorities and regional institutions.
At the dialogue, United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced financial commitments for healthcare, security, law enforcement and digital connectivity, together with plans for a United States–Caribbean Investment Dialogue in 2027.
Mr. Landau encouraged Caribbean governments to identify specific investment opportunities and prospective American business partners. He also emphasised mutual respect, national sovereignty and the development priorities articulated by Caribbean governments as foundations for the relationship.
Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Pablo Segura highlighted the importance of ensuring regional governments understand the financial and technical instruments available to support their development priorities.
Prime Minister Pierre thanked the United States for convening the dialogue in response to CARICOM leaders’ call for political-level consultations following their February engagement with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
On Haiti, he called for sustained international assistance and credible elections with the widest possible participation to help restore confidence and support a return to stability. He also urged attention to immigration and migration because of their implications for Caribbean communities and family ties.
The Heads of Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Haiti also participated, alongside heads of delegation from other Caribbean countries.
