Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit the Caribbean islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday to meet with regional leaders on economic, security and immigration issues.
The visit comes as Washington looks to increase economic pressure on Cuba, which is enduring a U.S. oil embargo that has cut crude imports and led to fuel shortages this year.
Mr. Rubio is expected to participate in this year’s Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conference. The annual meeting brings together officials from 15 member nations across Central and South America.
“Secretary Rubio will engage with Caribbean leaders to advance shared priorities, including strengthening regional security, deepening cooperation to combat illegal immigration and illicit trafficking, and promoting economic growth, health, and energy security across the Caribbean,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigot said in a statement. “During his visit, the Secretary will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere.”
Mr. Rubio, a longtime Cuba hawk, has used his position as secretary of state to push for an aggressive U.S. posture in South America. In addition to spearheading the campaign to increase economic pressure on Cuba, Mr. Rubio remained a committed cheerleader for the Trump administration’s policy toward Venezuela and supported the Pentagon’s strikes on small boats in the Caribbean last year.
He has also promoted the U.S.’ decision to oust former Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in January.
The raid, which killed dozens of people and captured Mr. Maduro and his wife, has eliminated one of Cuba’s primary regional allies. While Cuba had begun to diversify its oil suppliers this decade, Venezuela remained one of its main import partners, accounting for at least 34% of Havana’s crude.
Since Washington began its military build-up in the Caribbean, President Trump has repeatedly called on Cuba to sever ties with Venezuela and address growing human rights concerns in exchange for moderate sanctions relief. He has also urged Cuba to accept U.S. deportees.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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