Caribbean Region: Issues in U.S. Relations 2005
Summary
With some 34 million people and 16 independent nations sharing an African
ethnic heritage, the Caribbean is a diverse region that includes some of the
hemisphere’s richest and poorest nations. The region consists of 13 island nations,
from the Bahamas in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south; Belize, which
is geographically located in Central America; and the two nations of Guyana and
Suriname, located on the north central coast of South America. With the exception
of Cuba and Haiti, Caribbean governments have generally respected the human rights
of their citizens. Regular elections are the norm, and for the most part have been free
and fair. Nevertheless, while many Caribbean nations have long democratic
traditions, they are not immune to threats to their political stability, including
terrorism. Many nations in the region experienced economic decline in 2001-2002
due to downturns in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The extensive damage
resulting from several storms in 2004 caused an economic setback for several
Caribbean nations.
U.S. interests in the Caribbean are diverse, and include economic, political, and
security concerns. The Bush Administration describes the Caribbean as America’s
“third border,” with events in the region having a direct impact on the homeland
security of the United States. According to the Administration, the United States has
an interest in bolstering political and economic stability in the region because
instability would heighten the region’s vulnerability to drug trafficking, financial
crimes, and illegal immigration.
The U.S.-Caribbean relationship is characterized by extensive economic
linkages, cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts and security, and a sizeable U.S.
foreign assistance program. U.S. aid supports a variety of projects to strengthen
democracy, promote economic growth and development, alleviate poverty, and
combat the AIDS epidemic in the region. Despite close U.S. relations with most
Caribbean nations, there has been tension at times on such issues as the lack of
widespread Caribbean support for U.S. military operations in Iraq and policy
differences regarding Cuba. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations also
expressed concern about the circumstances regarding the departure of President Jean
Bertrand Aristide from Haiti in February 2004. In the aftermath of several
devastating storms in 2004 (Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan, and Tropical
Storm Jeanne), the United States is providing humanitarian assistance to the afflicted
countries, including Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Congress approved
$100 million in emergency supplemental funding for the region in the aftermath of
the storms (P.L. 108-324).
This report deals with broader issues in U.S. relations with the Caribbean and
does not include an extensive discussion of Haiti and Cuba. U.S. policy toward these
Caribbean nations is covered in two CRS products: CRS Report RL32294, Haiti:
Developments and U.S. Policy Since 1991 and Current Congressional Concerns, and
CRS Report RL32730, Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress.
Most Recent Developments
Suriname will hold national elections on May 25, 2005. Voters will elect
members of the 51-seat National Assembly, which in turn will elect a President, with
a two-thirds vote of the legislature required. Former military dictator Desi Bouterse
is among the candidates running for president in addition to current President Ronald
Venetiaan and former President Jules Wijdenbosch. In early March 2005, U.S.
officials warned that U.S. relations with Suriname would be affected if the new
government was headed by a convicted drug trafficker. Bouterse was tried in absentia
in the Netherlands in 1999 and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He is also implicated
in the December 1982 killings in Suriname of 15 prominent political, business, labor,
and media leaders. No trial date has been set, but Bouterse could face up to 20 years
in prison if convicted
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