Caribbean Leaders Meet US Officials Amid Criticism of Drug Vessel Strikes

Caribbean leaders met U.S. officials in Washington for a dialogue focused on practical cooperation in energy, investment and jobs, public safety, trade, infrastructure, health care and disaster preparedness. CARICOM Chair and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged sustained political and technical engagement, saying the partnership should be judged by improvements in people’s lives; Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also attended to advance regional priorities. U.S. officials highlighted economic investment, security and efforts to curb illegal immigration, while announcing commitments in areas including health, law enforcement and digital connectivity and plans for a U.S.–Caribbean Investment Dialogue in 2027. The meeting also unfolded amid regional concern about U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, which a report says have killed at least 238 people since September 2025, including Caribbean nationals; the campaign has drawn international criticism and divided Caribbean governments.