The United States is restoring the Western Hemisphere to its position of preeminence and priority in American foreign policy. “For far too long, we have been looking at things that are happening halfway across the world, and we have been ignoring things that are happening right in our own neighborhood,” said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the U.S.-Caribbean Dialogue.
“Ultimately, the greatness of the United States is not driven by the government; it’s driven by our private sector. And so, our job is to be an interlocutor so that our private sector is aware of the opportunities in the Caribbean, and that the Caribbean is aware of what the private sector might be interested in here.” With that goal in mind, the U.S. is launching an investment dialogue next year to bring together the Caribbean countries and the American private sector.
“We also recognize that economic development entails health,” said Deputy Secretary Landau. That’s why the U.S. has set aside $61.5 million to launch ASPIRE, the America Strategic Partnership for Independent Regional Healthcare Excellence in order to allow the region to build its own health care capacity.
Another regional issue is security. Deputy Secretary Landau noted that there has been “an uptick in recent years of drugs coming through the Caribbean from South America towards the United States.” This is a “national security threat to our people. ... And we’d like to work with your countries to address this scourge.”
One way to do that is through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which is the foundation of the U.S.-Caribbean security partnership and includes 13 countries. Deputy Secretary Landau announced the U.S. will provide CBSI an additional $37 million in new programming to protect critical digital infrastructure and strengthen port security.
Another big priority is illegal fishing. To help tackle this issue, the U.S. will supply an additional $55.5 million to strengthen law enforcement capabilities of Caribbean nations.
The need for reliable infrastructure and secure communications networks remains important. “Without a good digital footprint, you can’t have a solid banking system, tourism system, energy grid, or government services,” said Deputy Secretary Landau. “And who builds those networks matters.” To that end, the U.S. will invest $175.8 million in secure infrastructure through its Caribbean and Central America underseas cables program. “This will provide trusted, high-speed connectivity across the region to build resilient, secure networks that serve your people and not outside interests,” said Deputy Secretary Landau.
The Deputy Secretary underscored the values the U.S. and its Caribbean neighbors share: respect for national sovereignty, the rule of law, and open markets. Focusing on these core issues will stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and ultimately provide prosperity for the United States and the Caribbean.