Chairman Duncan on the hearing: “The Caribbean region is a vibrant community that is vital to U.S. interests, and I believe we need to expand U.S. engagement and strengthen our relationships in the region. These islands are not only home to beautiful travel destinations that attract millions of American tourists annually, but we also have strong trade relations, and thousands of individuals from the Caribbean study in our country. Yet, we also face common threats with drug trafficking, crime, corruption, and Islamist extremist groups, which require greater collaboration and teamwork. The State Department’s recent strategy is a good step towards enhancing our partnership with Caribbean governments, and I look forward to examining the strategy’s implementation.”

Opening Statements

Witnesses

The Honorable Kenneth H. Merten
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Special Coordinator for Haiti
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

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Hearing transcript (PDF)

Responses to questions submitted for the record received after the printing of the hearing transcript.