U.S-Caribbean Leaders Meeting

In an event co-hosted with Prime Minister Davis of The Bahamas, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the United States' commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Caribbean at the US-Caribbean Leaders Meeting  June 8, in Nassau, Bahamas.

Harris announced activities that address: (1) security and firearms trafficking; (2) the need for an enhanced diplomatic presence in the eastern Caribbean; (3) the crisis in Haiti; and (4) the U.S.–Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030).

Climate change remained a significant topic, with Caribbean nations being particularly vulnerable to its effects. In response to this, the Vice President discussed the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis, also known as PACC 2030, which was launched last year at the Summit of the Americas. The program is designed to help the Caribbean transition to clean energy and to promote energy security and climate resilience.

Furthering the commitment to PACC 2030, Harris announced a new $20 million investment in the Caribbean Climate Investment Program, intended to encourage the private sector to partner with Caribbean nations in developing more clean energy technologies.

The Vice President also announced a $15 million investment aimed at supporting emergency response efforts and strengthening the capacity of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. This is a part of the US's commitment to assisting the Caribbean in disaster preparedness, a crucial issue considering the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.

Harris further highlighted her recent discussion with the new President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, pushing for greater availability of low-cost concessional financing for Caribbean nations. The Vice President also proposed that new debt include disaster clauses to pause payments following a natural disaster.

Security issues were also a priority, with the Vice President announcing the creation of a new Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions in the Department of Justice. This role is designed to strengthen information sharing between nations to enhance the prosecution of gun traffickers.

In a move reflecting the U.S.'s concern for the ongoing crisis in Haiti, Harris announced $53.7 million in new humanitarian aid for the country. She also expressed support for the extension of HOPE-HELP trade preferences for Haiti, due for renewal in 2025.

Finally, in a significant diplomatic move, Harris announced the establishment of an expanded diplomatic presence in the Eastern Caribbean, including two new embassies.   Five countries in the Eastern Caribbean do not currently have a physical U.S. diplomatic presence. State does not have have specific locations to announce.