BASSETERRE — Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, sat down with United States Secretary of State Hon. Marco Rubio on Tuesday, February 25, for a high-level bilateral that placed Saint Kitts and Nevis at the centre of U.S.-Caribbean relations.
Held on the sidelines of the 50th Regular CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, the discussions were wide-ranging and results-focused — covering education, energy security, infrastructure, technical training, and the fight against transnational crime.
“Our discussions were centered on practical outcomes,” Prime Minister Drew said. “Expanding educational opportunities for our young people, strengthening energy security as we pursue economic transformation, and deepening collaboration to combat transnational crime.”
Secretary Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Caribbean stability, confirming progress on Venezuela’s political situation and expressing readiness to expand economic and investment partnerships with the region.
Dr. Drew underscored the Federation’s interest in deepening access to U.S. universities and building local capacity in specialised fields including structural engineering and data security — areas critical to the nation’s long-term development agenda.
“The United States remains an important partner, and I am committed to ensuring that our engagement delivers tangible benefits for the people of our Federation and the wider Caribbean region,” the Prime Minister added.
Accompanying Dr. Drew were Foreign Affairs Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Cabinet Secretary Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, U.S. Ambassador H.E. Hadiya Claxton, and other senior officials.
The bilateral signals growing momentum in the Federation’s strategic partnerships — with Saint Kitts and Nevis punching well above its weight on the international stage.