By St. Paul’s News Team
October 18 2026 | Regional
The United States has announced hundreds of millions of dollars in new commitments for the Caribbean, as CARICOM leaders called for stronger, practical cooperation on energy, security, infrastructure, trade and the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
The commitments were announced during the United States-Caribbean Dialogue on Thursday, following calls by Caribbean leaders for high-level consultations aimed at strengthening the relationship between Washington and the region.
CARICOM Chairman and St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said the Caribbean Community values its relationship with the United States but wants dialogue to produce tangible improvements in the lives of Caribbean people.
“We seek a more strategic partnership, sustained by regular dialogue and measured by improvements in our people’s lives,” Pierre said.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced an additional US$55.5 million to strengthen law enforcement capabilities in the Caribbean, along with US$11 million in Foreign Military Financing to support regional security forces.
Washington is also committing US$175.8 million to secure infrastructure through a Caribbean and Central America undersea cables programme. Landau said the investment would provide trusted, high-speed connectivity and help build more resilient and secure networks across the region.
He said the new commitments represent hundreds of millions of dollars in US support, but stressed that the relationship should extend beyond financial assistance.
Landau said Washington wants to strengthen long-term institutional and economic ties with the Caribbean, including greater involvement by US private-sector companies in regional investment opportunities.
Pierre said Caribbean priorities include affordable and reliable energy, increased investment and employment, stronger health systems, disaster preparedness and coordinated action against organised crime and illicit firearms trafficking.
CARICOM Chairman and St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre
He also stressed that Haiti must remain central to the dialogue, as armed gangs continue to control significant areas of the country and undermine government authority.
Pierre welcomed US support for the extension of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti. The UN Security Council recently voted 12-0 to extend the multinational force’s mandate through March 31, 2027.
CARICOM continues to support efforts toward a political solution in Haiti through its Eminent Persons Group, chaired by former St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.
Pierre said sustained international assistance and credible elections with broad participation will be critical to restoring confidence and stability in Haiti.
He also urged continued discussion on migration and immigration, noting their significant impact on Caribbean communities and people-to-people relations.
Landau said Washington is seeking to restore the Caribbean and wider Western Hemisphere to a higher priority in US foreign policy.
He acknowledged that the United States does not have all the answers and said the dialogue should be based on listening to Caribbean governments and respecting their sovereignty.
“The Caribbean is very much part of the Western Hemisphere,” Landau said, adding that stronger institutional relationships, rather than solely personal ties or short-term grants, are needed to build a lasting US-Caribbean partnership.