On July 1st, 2025, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted a public event on the future of U.S.–Caribbean relations. The event highlighted the strategic importance of the Caribbean to the United States—a region often referred to as the nation’s “third border.” The Caribbean faces multiple security challenges—including the illicit drug trade, firearms trafficking, irregular migration, and the crisis in Haiti—that directly affect the United States and underscore the urgent need for coordinated action.
The session opened with remarks from Rebecca Bill Chavez, president and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue, who emphasized the enduring partnership between the United States and the Caribbean, its impact on security and economic growth, and evolving approaches to energy and migration policy. The United States and its Caribbean partners will need to address issues ranging from illegal drugs flowing north to the United States and Europe, to the continuing crisis in Haiti, and the effects of climate change and natural disasters on the island nations of the region.
To set the context, Eric Jacobstein, senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue and founder and principal of Puentes Global Advisory, outlined the United States’ impact on the region and the gap that could emerge due to funding cuts. He set the stage for a broader discussion on why the Caribbean remains vital to U.S. interests and what the path forward for Haiti policy might look like.
Jacqueline Charles, Caribbean correspondent at the Miami Herald, highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong U.S. presence in the Caribbean. She noted that the region seeks more stable partners to help develop long-term solutions to pressing problems. Caribbean countries continue to face severe challenges—especially Haiti, where many look to the United States to take a leading role in stabilizing the country. Charles emphasized the need for sustained support for infrastructure development and the creation of economic opportunities for the island nations.
Ambassador Brian A. Nichols, former assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, discussed opportunities for the United States to expand investment in the region and increase the presence of the U.S. private sector. He stressed the importance of developing key sectors such as energy—particularly renewables—to ensure more stable and resilient energy supplies. Ambassador Nichols also underscored the urgent need for the United States to intensify efforts to help Haiti return to a democratic path. He argued that strong U.S. leadership is essential for strengthening regional security, noting that the path to development begins with security.
Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, former U.S. ambassador to Guyana and senior advisor at Dinámica Americas, outlined the multiple risks the United States faces by withdrawing funding from missions that affect the Caribbean. She stressed the importance of addressing the region’s complex challenges holistically, noting that difficult problems require comprehensive solutions—and for that, sustained funding is crucial. She warned that countries such as China could take significant advantage of this vacuum. Ambassador Lynch also highlighted the need to continue building and strengthening partnerships and to expand the presence of the U.S. private sector as a way forward.
Panelists emphasized the risks that U.S. funding reductions pose for the region and noted the growing presence of other countries willing to provide the assistance and support that the United States is scaling back. This shift could deeply affect U.S. relations with Caribbean partners, raising the question of how much longer countries in the region will continue to regard the United States as a reliable partner.
