Resilience, Security, and Shared Prosperity: Inside the 28th Annual U.S.–Caribbean Legislative Forum

In an era increasingly defined by interconnected crises, from cybersecurity threats and migration pressures to natural disasters and economic uncertainty, the relationship between the United States and the Caribbean has taken on renewed strategic importance.

On June 10–11, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, academics, and regional stakeholders gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 28th Annual U.S.–Caribbean Legislative Forum, organized by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS). Held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building and the Rayburn House Office Building, the two-day forum examined one central question: how can the United States and the Caribbean strengthen cooperation to build resilience in an age of overlapping global challenges?

French Quarter Magazine was represented at the forum by one of our contributors, Dr Bruno Mazali, who attended discussions and exchanges focused on the future of U.S.–Caribbean relations and the policy frameworks needed to support long-term regional stability.

The 2026 theme, U.S.–Caribbean Strategic Engagement in an Era of Poly-Crisis: Advancing Policy for Systems Resilience, reflected a growing recognition that modern challenges can no longer be addressed in isolation. Security, economic development, health systems, financial stability, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness are increasingly interconnected, requiring coordinated responses across governments, industries, and civil society.

Organizers noted that more than 13 million Americans trace their heritage to the Caribbean, making the region not only a close geographic neighbor but also an important economic, cultural, and human partner of the United States.

Throughout the forum, speakers emphasized that the Caribbean Basin remains vital to American national interests. Participants repeatedly returned to the idea of "systems resilience"; the capacity of nations and institutions to withstand shocks, adapt, and recover while maintaining stability and opportunity for their populations.

Discussions during the first day focused on maritime security, cyber resilience, and regional stability. As trade, communications, and critical infrastructure become increasingly dependent on digital systems and undersea networks, experts highlighted growing vulnerabilities facing both the Caribbean and the United States. Participants examined ways to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation, improve information sharing, and reinforce regional preparedness against emerging threats.

Economic competitiveness was another major theme. Conversations explored trade, taxation, near-shoring opportunities, and regional economic integration. With global supply chains continuing to evolve, several speakers pointed to the Caribbean's strategic location and potential role in strengthening resilient supply networks closer to North America.

Infrastructure financing also received considerable attention. Panelists discussed the need for investment in telecommunications, transportation, energy systems, and other critical infrastructure capable of supporting sustainable economic growth while enhancing resilience against natural disasters and climate-related disruptions.

The second day shifted toward broader questions of regional engagement and long-term development. One session examined U.S.–Caribbean relations in the post-USAID era, exploring how strategic partnerships may evolve in response to changing geopolitical realities and development priorities.

Financial resilience emerged as another key concern. Participants discussed de-risking, banking access, remittances, insurance, and the role of diaspora capital in supporting economic growth throughout the Caribbean. Several speakers noted that financial inclusion and stable banking systems remain essential components of broader economic resilience.

Health systems and workforce mobility also featured prominently. Given the Caribbean's vulnerability to hurricanes and other natural disasters, experts examined the importance of maintaining healthcare continuity, strengthening disaster recovery capabilities, and addressing workforce challenges through regional cooperation and mobility initiatives.

Perhaps most striking was the forum's emphasis on interconnectedness. Organizers argued that security can no longer be separated from economic prosperity, nor disaster recovery from healthcare capacity, nor infrastructure from workforce development. The challenges confronting the region increasingly overlap, requiring solutions that are equally comprehensive.

The Institute of Caribbean Studies, founded in Washington in 1993 and serving as the National Coordinator for Caribbean American Heritage Month, has long sought to provide a bipartisan platform where policymakers and stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue on regional issues. Now in its 28th year, the Legislative Forum continues to serve as a venue for those conversations.

As discussions concluded, participants were reminded that the Caribbean is far more than a neighboring region. It is a strategic partner whose future is closely linked to that of the United States.

In many ways, the forum reflected a broader reality shaping international affairs today: resilience has become one of the defining concepts of modern governance. Whether addressing cybersecurity, economic development, migration, healthcare, or disaster preparedness, the ability to adapt and cooperate across borders may prove one of the most valuable resources of all.

For the policymakers and experts gathered in Washington, the message was clear. The future of U.S.–Caribbean relations will depend not only on responding to crises as they emerge, but on building stronger systems capable of weathering the uncertainties of the decades ahead.