US commits more than US$340 million at US-Caribbean dialogue
Prime Minister Drew led the Federation's delegation to Washington, where funding was announced for undersea cables, security and healthcare.
WASHINGTON, DC. The United States has announced more than US$340 million in commitments for Caribbean security, digital connectivity, healthcare and economic resilience at a high-level dialogue in Washington.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew led the St Kitts and Nevis delegation to the US-Caribbean Dialogue on 15 October, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Denzil Douglas and Attorney General Garth Wilkin. The meeting was hosted by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
The package includes US$175.8 million for the Caribbean and Central America Undersea Cables Program to expand high-speed internet links, US$103 million under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, and a proposed US$61.5 million initiative to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
Dr Drew said such engagements must lead to tangible gains for the people of the region.
"Must go beyond dialogue and translate into real, measurable benefits for our people," the Prime Minister said.
Leaders also discussed energy security, investment, infrastructure and the fight against transnational crime. Dr Drew linked the talks to the government's Sustainable Island State Agenda.
