Washington’s Diplomatic Efforts in the Caribbean: A New Front in the Fight Against Violence and Oil Riches
Rising Tensions in Haiti and Guyana
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on a mission to the Caribbean, with a focus on finding ways to address the violence-torn nation of Haiti and show support for oil-rich Guyana in its dispute with Venezuela.
Haiti: A Nation on the Brink of Collapse
Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been at a breaking point for years, with the collapse of government authority, rampant violence, and the crumbling of public health services. A Kenyan-led international security mission supported by former President Joe Biden has deployed to Haiti in hopes of bringing stability, but the troop force has come up short, and violence has resumed. Over 60,000 people have been displaced in one month inside the capital Port-au-Prince in a resurgence of gang violence, according to the International Organization for Migration.
US Support for Haiti
Rubio has made an exemption to sweeping cuts in US assistance to allow the continuation of US support to the Haiti mission. The Trump administration has yet to announce new ideas on Haiti, beyond revoking deportation protections for thousands of Haitians living in the United States.
Guyana: A New Front in the Fight for Oil Riches
Rubio will also visit Guyana, where the discovery of major oil reserves has sparked interest in the region. The oil is concentrated in the Essequibo border region, which is disputed with Venezuela, led by leftist US nemesis Nicolas Maduro. Guyana has denounced what it calls a Venezuelan military vessel’s incursion in its waters. Venezuela denied any violation and requested a meeting between Maduro and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, who dismissed the offer.
A New Focus on Security
Claver-Carone likened Guyana to oil-rich Gulf Arab nations where the United States stations troops, in recent decades due to tensions with Iran. "We want to work with Guyana in order to ensure the cooperation there and its guarantees on its security. We’ve seen the threats from Venezuela," he said.
Conclusion
Rubio’s trip to the Caribbean marks a new front in the fight against violence and oil riches. The US is committed to supporting its allies in the region and promoting stability and security. The future of Haiti and Guyana hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if the Trump administration’s efforts will bear fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in Haiti?
A: Haiti is facing a humanitarian crisis, with rampant violence, gang activity, and a collapse of government authority.
Q: How is the US supporting Haiti?
A: The US has made an exemption to sweeping cuts in US assistance to allow the continuation of US support to the Haiti mission.
Q: What is the situation with Guyana and Venezuela?
A: Guyana and Venezuela are disputing the Essequibo border region, which is rich in oil reserves.
Q: What is the US doing to support Guyana?
A: The US is working to ensure cooperation with Guyana and guaranteeing its security in the face of threats from Venezuela.
Q: What is the Trump administration’s stance on Venezuela?
A: The Trump administration has severed a deal by Chevron to operate in Venezuela and threatened a new tariff effective April 2 for countries that buy Venezuelan oil.