On Wednesday, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar led the initiative for Caribbean leaders to act as intermediaries between Washington and Havana. This proposal was made at the conclusion of the annual Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit in Castries, Saint Lucia.
According to reports from EFE, CARICOM has officially informed both the United States and Cuba of its willingness to mediate discussions between the two nations. However, the 15-member bloc was unable to reach a consensus on a broader stance regarding the situation in Cuba.
"This is not a straightforward issue," Mottley acknowledged as the four-day meeting came to a close. "We agree that dialogue and discussions must occur, but they should be without bias... to peacefully resolve what is happening in Cuba: there is a humanitarian crisis that cannot continue to be ignored."
The offer of mediation arises amidst unprecedented pressure from the Trump administration on the Cuban regime. Since January 2026, over 240 sanctions have been imposed, significantly reducing the island's energy imports by 80% to 90% and resulting in power outages lasting up to 22-25 hours daily.
Mottley highlighted the impact of these measures on neighboring countries with a specific example: an attempt to purchase baby formula for Cuba was blocked four times by banks before the payment finally went through on Tuesday.
"We recognize that this is always going to be a complex issue, as was evident in the United Nations vote on Tuesday," stated the Barbados Prime Minister.
"However, we want to remain focused on humanitarian efforts, and we want to focus on the dialogue necessary to resolve this matter."
The reference to the UN points to Tuesday's vote in the General Assembly, which approved an urgent debate on the U.S. embargo on Cuba with 136 votes in favor, nine against, and 30 abstentions. This marks the first time the Cuban regime has resorted to this extraordinary mechanism.
Nevertheless, this vote revealed divisions within the Caribbean bloc: Dominica and the Dominican Republic abstained, breaking CARICOM's tradition of consensus on matters related to Cuba.
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, who spent seven years living in Cuba while studying medicine, summed up the bloc's sentiment: "All of us within CARICOM and the region are deeply moved by what has transpired."
The Caribbean's growing concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba has led several countries to send individual aid since the February summit, where the bloc agreed on a coordinated response that included food, medicine, and solar panels.
Washington's pressure was also evident in other agenda items: agreements to accommodate deported migrants from third countries and the Citizenship by Investment program failed to reach a common position, despite both issues directly impacting island economies.
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, warned that his country generates about $100 million annually from this program and eliminating it "may not be the most viable option."
The summit also overcame internal tensions: Persad-Bissessar had objected to the reappointment of the bloc's Secretary-General, Carla Barnett, but by the end of the meeting, the dispute was sufficiently resolved.
"I have always said that Trinidad remains committed to CARICOM. We have unwavering support for CARICOM," she declared.
Mottley concluded with a metaphor that encapsulates the bloc's stance on the conflict between the two powers: "When you live in a neighborhood, what happens in that neighborhood affects everyone. The neighborhood extends from Florida to Guyana and Suriname."
Exploring U.S.-Cuba Relations and Caribbean Mediation
What role is CARICOM proposing to play between the U.S. and Cuba?
CARICOM has offered to mediate discussions between the United States and Cuba, aiming to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
What has been the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
U.S. sanctions have significantly reduced Cuba's energy imports by 80% to 90%, leading to severe power outages and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis on the island.
How are Caribbean nations responding to the humanitarian crisis in Cuba?
Several Caribbean countries have individually sent aid to Cuba, including food, medicine, and solar panels, as part of a coordinated response agreed upon during the CARICOM summit.