CARIBBEAN leaders met on Tuesday in St Kitts and Nevis to debate pressing issues including the region’s relationship with the United States government, which has continued to strike suspected drug boats in the area, killing local fishermen.

The meeting comes as Caricom, a 15-member regional trade bloc, complains about tough policy decisions imposed on the region by the United States in the past year.

They include that nations accept third-country deportees, reject Cuban medical missions, chill relations with China and consider allowing US military hardware in the Caribbean.

Caricom has also complained about the suspension of US immigrant visa processing for Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.

During Tuesday’s opening ceremony, Jamaican Prime Minister and outgoing Caricom Chair Andrew Holness said: “Every member of Caricom has the right to decide how best to defend its territory and maritime domain.”

His comments follow the tightening of the illegal sanctions against Cuba imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Mr Holness said: “Cuba is our Caribbean neighbour. Its doctors and teachers have served across our region.”

“It must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba,” Mr Holness warned. “It will affect migration, security and economic stability across the Caribbean basin.”

“Jamaica supports constructive dialogue between Cuba and the US aimed at de-escalation, reform and stability,” he said.