From bs.us embassy

“Transnational criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations have spread throughout the nation, threatening the safety of the United States and its citizens. A comprehensive and decisive approach is required to dismantle these organized crime syndicates and restore safety…” —President Trump

Rising crime and violence in the Caribbean, largely related to illicit trafficking threaten security and stability in the United States and the region. Since 2009, representatives from U.S. and Caribbean governments have met routinely to advance the goals and scope of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). More than a series of security programs, CBSI is an ongoing collaboration that enhances the capacity of the Caribbean to address transnational threats.

Ongoing Collaboration

President Trump has committed to enhancing cooperation with foreign counterparts against transnational criminal organizations. On December 2016, the U.S. government passed the U.S. and Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act (H.R. 4939) to advance U.S. engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, the diaspora community, the private sector, and civil society. CBSI will serve as a security coordination mechanism to promote the Act and attract support from non-Caribbean allies in pursuit of a more safe and secure hemisphere.

U.S. Financial Support

The U.S. government has provided more than $400 million to the Caribbean to decrease threats to the safety of U.S. citizens and the region since 2010. In partnership with Caribbean governments, these funds have aided in combatting illicit trafficking and organized crime, strengthened the rule of law, and established crime and violence prevention programs targeting at-risk youth and their communities. In addition, CBSI programs are strengthening regional cooperation in maritime and aerial surveillance, law enforcement, and border and port security.

Security Cooperation Dialog

The annual Caribbean-U.S. Security Cooperation Dialogue brings together all members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic, to review a declaration of principles and a framework for engagement on CBSI initiatives for the year. The Dialogue, along with yearly technical working groups and assessments aid in monitoring and evaluating CBSI impact for greater security integration and cooperation in the region. The United States looks forward to increasing security partnerships with the Caribbean for years to come.

SOURCE: https://bs.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/CBSI-Fact-Sheet-Final-EN.pdf