Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saint Kitts and Nevis to participate in the CARICOM summit, becoming the highest‑ranking U.S. official to visit the country.
- The State Department says discussions will focus on regional security, curbing illicit trafficking and irregular migration, and promoting economic growth, health, and energy security.
- CARICOM governments have raised objections to recent U.S. measures, citing pressure over third‑country deportees, Cuban medical missions, and relations with China, with calls for a rules‑based partnership.
- U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats have killed at least 151 people since September, including three on Monday, drawing both praise from some leaders and criticism over legality and civilian harm.
- Cuba’s energy crunch has deepened after Venezuelan oil shipments were cut off, and a U.N. official says the U.S. embargo is hampering hurricane recovery, prompting regional appeals for humanitarian relief and dialogue.