US Announces $340 Million Funding Package for Caribbean Region

The United States Department of State announced a US$340.5 million funding package for the Caribbean region during the U.S.-Caribbean Dialogue held in Washington on October 15, 2026. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hosted delegations from 15 Caribbean nations, including members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to expand cooperation on economic growth and regional security.

The funding includes US$175.8 million for the Caribbean and Central America Undersea Cables Program and US$61.5 million via the ASPIRE program to develop self-sufficient health workforces. Additionally, the U.S. allocated US$103 million through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) to protect critical infrastructure, counter illegal fishing, and combat transnational criminal organizations. The Dominican Republic, led by Foreign Minister Víctor Bisonó, proposed five specific action areas focusing on energy security, investment, cybersecurity, disaster response, and trafficking.

To maintain momentum, the Department of State committed to hosting a Caribbean Investment Summit in early 2027 and a CBSI Security Ministerial in spring 2027. In a separate announcement, President Donald Trump stated that the United States is engaged in talks with Russia and China regarding nuclear denuclearization to reduce global stockpiles.