The U.S. Secretary of State travels to St. Kitts and Nevis for a one-day CARICOM summit to reaffirm Washington’s interests in the Western Hemisphere amid regional security concerns and global focus on Iran and the Middle East.

Washington’s posture toward Maduro, including alleged drug-trafficking links and hard lines on illicit migration, is framed as part of a broader regional strategy.

The trip follows a U.S. operation that removed Maduro from power about a month earlier and signals a retooled approach to Venezuela.

The report notes CARICOM observer status for Mexico and Venezuela, shaping the regional dynamics discussed at the summit.

Nearly all CARICOM members are slated to attend the three-day summit, with Montserrat as the sole exception among dependencies.

The summit theme, Beyond Words, Action Today for a Thriving Sustainable CARICOM, emphasizes regional integration and global partnerships, with over 200 delegates expected.

CARICOM states like St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada run CBD programs as a key revenue source post banana and sugar declines, with St. Vincent moving toward the model.

The U.S. aims to counter Chinese influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, where some CARICOM members, including St. Kitts and Nevis, still recognize Taiwan.

Washington seeks expanded regional support for its stance on Cuba and to curb China’s growing influence within CARICOM through partnerships and potential Taiwan-related aid.

Officials indicate the U.S. hopes to bolster support for Taiwan and explore aid packages tied to Taiwan relations in the region.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew has been engaging with CARICOM leaders to project unity and a coordinated regional position ahead of the summit.

Details on trip specifics, dates, and outcomes are not provided in the available excerpt.