LETTER: Response by Hon. E.P. Chet Greene to US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio’s “Americas First Foreign Policy”

I welcome remarks on the renewed focus of U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere, made the newly appointed US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing cooperation, security and economic resilience.

This shift is timely and, indeed, necessary. However, as the United States reorients its diplomatic attention closer to home, I urge the Trump administration to ensure that the Caribbean, an integral part of our Americas, is not overlooked.

The Caribbean is more than just a cluster of small island states; it is a critical geostrategic region, a bridge between North and South America and a gateway to vital global trade routes.

Our nations have long shared deep historical, economic and cultural ties with the United States. Yet, our voices have too often been absent from high-level regional policy discussions.

As you embark on your diplomatic engagements in Central America, I implore you to extend the same commitment to the Caribbean, recognizing us as indispensable partners in the security and economic architecture of the hemisphere.

Secretary Rubio rightfully pointed out that shared prosperity and stability should be the foundation of hemispheric engagement. This prosperity I respectfully posit, however, cannot be fully realized without addressing the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS).

While the U.S. seeks to secure supply chains and promote economic resilience, it must acknowledge that the Caribbean has long been an enthusiastic, yet underutilized, partner in these endeavors.

Trade agreements, investment in critical industries, science and technology collaboration can accelerate our mutual growth but these partnerships must be equitable and be reflective of the realities of Caribbean economies.

Special and differential treatment for our nations is not a favor; it is a necessity for sustainable engagement.

Additionally, any meaningful “Americas First” policy must include an urgent and pragmatic approach to climate change. Our region is on the front lines of climate vulnerability, facing increasingly frequent and devastating hurricanes, rising sea levels and economic displacement. The existential threat climate change poses to our civilization demands not only recognition but decisive action.

The U.S., as the leading economy of the hemisphere, has a moral and strategic obligation to spearhead climate policies that mitigate these threats and ensure the long-term survival and prosperity of our nations.

As a son of the Caribbean yourself, Mr. Secretary, there is no denying that you understand the weight of these concerns. Your words offer hope but forgive us if we meet them with caution.

Our region has heard many promises before, only to be met with inaction or policies that serve to entrench economic disparity. True partnership will be measured not by rhetoric but by tangible commitments to development, resilience and mutual respect. Your pronouncements of hope are shared by our Caribbean civilization.

The Caribbean buoyed by your optimism, remains ready to engage in meaningful collaboration with the United States. We ask only that as you work to strengthen regional partnerships, you do not let ideological differences or size disparities dictate who is worthy of engagement.

The voices of our people demand respect, and our nations seek partnerships built on fairness, opportunity and shared responsibility.

We look forward in great anticipation to seeing the unfolding of this new US foreign policy, under your leadership, will translate shared and common ambitions into reality for all the nations our Americas.