In a statement on March 22, the Office of the Prime Minister said the talks are expected to focus on US foreign policy and the effect on TT and the wider region. The meeting comes in the wake of Rubio's statement on February 25 about restricting visas of government officials whose countries employ Cuban healthcare workers.

Rubio claimed Cuba continued to profit from the forced labour of its workers and the regime's abusive and coercive labour practices had been well documented. Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley had rejected Rubio's position, saying TT relied on specialists for its healthcare delivery which over the years have come from several countries, including India, the Philippines, Africa and mainly  Cuba. According to the statement, Young believes the bilateral discussions provide a strategic opportunity to highlight the importance of the relationship between TT, Caricom, and the US and to focus on exploring areas for the deepening of cooperation. He said his meeting with Rubio was in keeping with his undertaking to continue to engage in dialogue at the highest level of the US administration for the benefit of the People of TT.

Other Caricom leaders are also expected to travel to Jamaica for bilateral discussions with the US envoy. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne will accompany the Prime Minister to Jamaica. Rubio is also expected to visit Guyana and Suriname for talks with the country's leaders. (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)