In March 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname, with significant implications for the energy market. Beyond policy discussions on Haiti, Cuban medical teams, migration, and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), his meetings with the presidents of Guyana and Suriname were crucial for three key reasons. 

Energy and China – The U.S. views Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago as strategically vital in the new Cold War with China. Chinese companies are active in these countries, and China holds a substantial portion of Suriname’s national debt. Rubio warned of the risks of Chinese investments and debt traps. 

Border Dispute with Venezuela – The U.S. supports Guyana against Venezuela’s territorial claims. Rubio criticized China’s allies, including Venezuela, for what he called "predatory practices," such as Petrocaribe, which left countries like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic saddled with billions in debt. 

Oil and Inflation – The Trump administration seeks to boost oil production to lower prices and combat inflation. Guyana’s oil, primarily extracted by U.S. companies like ExxonMobil and Hess, plays a pivotal role in this strategy. 

Rubio emphasized that Guyana and Suriname remain critical to U.S. interests, while China should expect tighter scrutiny as Washington-Beijing rivalry intensifies. 

Given the shifting geopolitical landscape, it is essential to closely monitor regional news here in Willemstad, particularly regarding the cost of living and energy issues. 

Based on an article by Dr. Scott MacDonald, fellow at the think tank Caribbean Policy Consortium (CPC). 

Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has a MBA from the University of Iowa. (USA).