For Roger Nyhus, the recently appointed US Ambassador to Barbados, combating human trafficking is of utmost importance, and safety and security are critical.
He shared his top four goals in a letter before his confirmation:
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“If confirmed, my priorities are clear: First, hundreds of thousands of American tourists visit the Eastern Caribbean each year. If confirmed, my paramount duty will be to ensure the safety and security of these visitors as well as the many thousands of Americans who call the region home. This includes addressing the illegal trafficking of narcotics, people, and guns in the region. Specifically, I will work to deepen our security and law enforcement partnerships with the Eastern Caribbean through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.”
He further noted, “I will ensure that the United States effectively competes with the People’s Republic of China and remains the partner of choice in the Eastern Caribbean. These seven countries are on the frontlines of Beijing’s global power projection through ever-expanding trade, investment ties, and diplomatic presence, as well as the PRC’s ongoing push to limit Taiwan’s international engagement. I will work to be a strong advocate for our positive US agenda, and an active and visible countering force to the PRC’s efforts.
The ambassador noted, “Third, these small island nations are facing unique and evolving climate and energy challenges. I am committed to working with each country on specific solutions employing American technology and innovation and through US initiatives such as the Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030). It is in our national interest to help these nations become more resilient to the effects of climate change and support their transition to renewable fuels, including by increasing their access to finance.”
He added, “Finally, drawing on my broad private sector experience, if confirmed, I would support US business interests in the region and help identify new and expanded opportunities for American innovation and investment.”
Although the entrepreneur acknowledged that this was a new area for him, he assured that he recognized the significance of the Caribbean region and this role for the United States.
“This US ambassadorship is unique in the world – representing the United States to seven sovereign nations right here in our own hemisphere. The countries of the Eastern Caribbean— Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines—comprise a vital political and economic region.
He concluded, “Due to their close geographic proximity and our shared historical and cultural ties, these countries play an outsized role in many important areas.”
