February 25, 2026 - TEMPO Networks

News Americas, BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis, Weds. Feb. 25, 2026: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used his appearance at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Kitts to signal what he called a “reinvigorated” U.S. focus on the Caribbean and Western Hemisphere.

Speaking at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Rubio framed his visit – the first by a U.S. Secretary of State to a CARICOM heads meeting in a decade – as evidence that Washington is prioritizing the region after years of relative neglect.

But beyond the rhetoric of partnership, what exactly did Rubio put on the table?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio participates in a family photo with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, February 25, 2026. Rubio is meeting with Caribbean leaders seeking a common line on Venezuela and pressure on Cuba. He’s also addressing President Donald Trump’s priorities, including combating illegal immigration, drug trafficking and regional security. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Here’s a breakdown.

1. Expanded Security Cooperation

Rubio identified transnational criminal organizations – particularly narcotics trafficking networks – as the most urgent shared threat facing the Caribbean and the United States.

He warned that these groups now possess funding and military-style weaponry that rival the power of some states. He acknowledged that many illegal firearms flowing into the region originate in the U.S. and said Washington is working to curb that pipeline.

Rubio pointed to recent U.S. actions designating violent groups as terrorist organizations and imposing sanctions on individuals who support them, including in Haiti. He also cited the heavily armed drug cartels operating in Mexico as an example of the scale of the threat.

What this means:
The U.S. is signaling deeper law enforcement coordination, intelligence sharing, and security alignment with Caribbean governments.

What was not announced:
No new regional security fund. No specific dollar commitments. No named initiative or timeline.

2. Energy Partnership and Economic Growth

Rubio emphasized energy development as a pathway to prosperity for CARICOM states. He acknowledged that several countries are exploring oil, gas, and renewable energy projects and said the United States wants to be a partner in responsible energy expansion.

“Energy is critical for every economy in order to prosper,” Rubio said, noting that safe and responsible resource development can generate wealth and stability.

He also encouraged efforts to make the region more attractive for U.S. investment, saying American businesses should play a role in Caribbean economic diversification.

What this means:
Washington is encouraging U.S. private-sector engagement in Caribbean energy and infrastructure sectors.

What was not announced:
No new trade agreement. No financing package. No development bank program or grant funding was unveiled.

3. Venezuela Policy Shift

Rubio devoted a significant portion of his remarks to Venezuela, saying the country is “better off today than it was eight weeks ago” following political changes there.

He cited the release of political prisoners, the closure of the Helicoide prison facility, and renewed oil revenues directed toward public services as signs of progress. He confirmed that the U.S. has reopened its embassy in Caracas.

Rubio said Washington’s immediate priority after Nicolás Maduro’s capture was preventing instability, migration flows, and regional spillover violence. He added that fair democratic elections will ultimately be necessary for long-term legitimacy.

He positioned a stable, democratic Venezuela as a potential future energy partner for the Caribbean and a reduced source of regional instability.

4. A “Reinvigorated” Relationship

Rubio stopped short of calling the moment a “reset,” instead describing it as a reinvigoration of longstanding bilateral and regional ties.

“The stronger, safer, more prosperous and more secure that all of your countries are, the stronger, safer and more secure the United States is going to be,” he told leaders.

His central message was clear: U.S. security and prosperity are intertwined with the Caribbean’s.

The Bottom Line

Rubio offered strategic engagement, security alignment, and energy partnership. He signaled sustained diplomatic attention and personal commitment during his tenure.

What he did not offer were concrete funding commitments, new regional programs, or specific economic packages.

For CARICOM leaders marking their 50th regular meeting, the message was one of renewed political attention – with the details of implementation still to come.

RELATED: Guyana: A Decade In Review On The 56th Anniversary As A Republic

By Madelyn Herrera

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Wed. Feb. 25, 2025: The American-born, Puerto Rico-roots artist Willie Colon, who helped design the sound and swagger of New York, the Caribbean, and Latinos around the world, has died from health complications at age 75. Colón didn’t just break boundaries for a genre that had yet to enter the U.S mainstream; he also championed Hispanic political and social causes.

Willie Colón performs live during his Idilio Sinfónico concert with Orquesta Filarmonica de Puerto Rico at Coca-Cola Music Hall on August 9, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Gladys Vega/Getty Images)

His achievements extend far beyond best-selling albums and collaborations with Salsa legends. Colón’s music often carried political messages, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. He didn’t just sing about social issues; he actively engaged with his community, paving the way for many Puerto Ricans and Latinos.

His Awards and Achievements

So influential was his career that he even performed for U.S president Bill Clinton at his inauguration ceremonies in 1993. Over time, his interest in activism grew, leading him to take on leadership roles in various cultural and humanitarian organizations. His music addressed poverty, masculinity, immigration, life in the barrio, and other pressing social issues.

Colón’s journey began at 15, when he was signed to Fania Records, the record label that had other salsa legends like Celia Cruz and Rubén Blades. By 17, he had sold over 300,000 copies of his debut album. He started with a trumpet but later switched to the trombone, creating a sound that reflected the energy of New York. Drawing on styles from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Africa, he transformed traditional Cuban music into something that resonated with his Bronx community.

His Activism

His activism first gained national recognition when, in 1995, he became the first minority to serve on the board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). This milestone opened doors for emerging Latin artists across the U.S, helping them step forward in a historically challenging industry. Colón also served with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for Latino students,

In 1989, his song “El Gran Varon” made a significant impact on the LGBTQ community by confronting the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The song tells the story of Simon, who moves to the U.S, transitions, and eventually dies, presumably of AIDS, neglected by a father who did not accept him. Colón’s advocacy extended beyond music; he served with the Latino Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Immigration Foundation. He used his platform to support those affected by AIDS< as well as the homeless and vulnerable. He broke the silence in the Latin community around LGBTQ issues and the AIDS crisis.

His Legacy

For his contribution to music and activism, Colón received many awards and honors. In 2004, he earned the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In 2015, Billboard Magazine named him one of the 30 most influential Latin artists of all time.

For more than 50 years, Colón has shaped Latin music and inspired generations of artists. His work transformed salsa into a genre that remains vibrant today, infused with Caribbean, African and Latin roots. He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking music but also for his tireless activism, which paved the way for the Latin music we know today.

Specific funeral arrangements have not been publicly detailed as of press time.

Here’s What Marco Rubio Offered CARICOM Leaders At St. Kitts Summit