CARICOM Leaders Tackle U.S. Policy, Climate, and Haiti Crisis

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have been meeting in caucus since Friday morning to discuss a range of pressing regional and global issues. Among the topics on the agenda were the United States’ shifting policy toward the Caribbean, climate change, and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). As the meeting progressed, some leaders began to depart, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who provided insights into the closed-door discussions.

While climate change remains a critical issue for the region, the discussions did not focus extensively on it. However, Browne stressed CARICOM’s continued push for the full capitalisation and operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, as well as efforts to encourage major emitters to reduce emissions. He also noted potential partnerships with the European Union on hydrogen technology as part of the region’s broader transition to green energy. Beyond climate change, the discussions also covered geopolitical issues, particularly the evolving relationship between the United States and the Caribbean.

CARICOM leaders hope to engage senior members of the U.S. administration soon, with aspirations of inviting former President Donald Trump to the region. Browne highlighted the importance of such engagement, especially given the region’s economic dependence on U.S. trade and the potential for tariffs to drive up imported inflation. Another major concern was the U.S. decision to roll back immigration protections for over half a million Haitians, which could exacerbate the already dire security situation in Haiti. CARICOM leaders expressed their intent to raise the issue in future discussions with U.S. officials, hoping to mitigate the negative impact on Haiti.

Additionally, there was talk of CARICOM working with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to urge major global emitters to accelerate decarbonization efforts ahead of COP30. The summit also reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to supporting Haiti in achieving stability and security, with a focus on a Haitian-led solution for governance and elections. As the three-day deliberations near their conclusion, CARICOM leaders are expected to provide a formal update to the media later on Friday.