The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, greets Prime Minister Stuart Young during bilateral talks in Jamaica. Photograph: Office of Personnel Management / Facebook.
Guacamaya, March 27, 2025. As part of his latest tour of the Caribbean, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, held a meeting with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Stuart Young, in Kingston, Jamaica. During this meeting, the Trinidadian government was urged to support the North American country’s measures against Nicolás Maduro’s administration, according to Trinidad’s Guardian newspaper.
The meeting in Jamaica, marking Rubio’s first stop on his regional tour, also covered topics such as security, migration, and energy, as stated in the official communiqué by Tammy Bruce, the Department of State spokesperson.
One of the highlighted points of the conversation was the recent designation of the Venezuelan mega-criminal gang, Tren de Aragua, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Trump administration. Rubio urged Young to take similar measures and encouraged other Caribbean democracies to “limit malignant influence in the region,” according to the communiqué.
Coordination regarding deportations of migrants was also discussed, a topic Rubio has prioritized in regional negotiations.
According to Trinidad and Tobago’s Guardian newspaper, Marco Rubio stressed the importance of isolating the Venezuelan government, emphasizing that his administration seeks to limit Maduro’s sources of funding, especially through energy sanctions.
In this context, particular relevance is given to the recent executive order by President Trump, granting Rubio discretion and authority to impose secondary tariffs of 25% on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas. Rubio emphasized the need for more forceful measures, urging Trinidad and Tobago to align with these policies.
According to AP, one of the primary objectives of Marco Rubio’s Caribbean tour is to reduce the dependence of Caribbean countries on Venezuelan oil. This initiative also seeks to leverage the potential of Guyana and Suriname, whose oil resources could surpass Venezuela’s, as stated by Mauricio Claver-Carone, the special envoy for the Caribbean.
Energy Projects at Stake
In the energy sphere, Trinidad and Tobago faces a critical dilemma. The country aims to extend the licenses granted by the United States to develop gas projects in Venezuela, such as the Dragon Field, in collaboration with Shell. However, the threat of stricter sanctions has accelerated these projects, with plans to advance gas production to 2026, a year earlier than originally planned.
The Dragon Field, located in Venezuelan waters, is considered crucial for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy needs. However, dependence on U.S. licenses and political uncertainty in Venezuela complicate its development. The Trinidadian government has already expressed hope that Washington will consider the strategic importance of these projects for regional stability.
Next Steps in Rubio’s Tour
Rubio also met in Kingston with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness; Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley; and Haiti’s Transitional Council President, Fritz Jean. The next stops on his regional tour this Thursday are Guyana and Suriname, where he is expected to meet with Presidents Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad Santokhi, respectively.
In Guyana, it is anticipated that the Secretary of State will discuss the crisis between this country and Venezuela over the disputed region of Essequibo, administered by Georgetown but claimed by Caracas. The United States has supported Guyana’s government in this dispute and increased security and economic cooperation with the oil-rich country.
In Suriname, the Secretary of State seeks to strengthen alliances in security and trade.
Marco Rubio’s tour highlights the central role of the United States in shaping regional policy, particularly regarding Venezuela. His focus on sanctions, security, and energy reflects a comprehensive strategy to counter Maduro’s influence and promote stability and cooperation in the Caribbean.
