Only Three Caribbean Leaders Invited To Donald Trump 'Shield Of The Americas' Summit

Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Dominican Republic leaders to attend regional security meeting

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Just three Caribbean leaders - Guyana's President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and the Dominican Republic's Luis Abinader - have been invited to the inaugural 'Shield of the Americas' Summit hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump this weekend in Doral City, Florida. The gathering will bring together leaders from 12 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss coordinated responses on tightening security, curbing mass migration, and dismantling drug cartels across the Western Hemisphere.

Why it matters

The summit highlights the Caribbean region's growing role in hemispheric discussions on migration, security, and organized crime, reinforcing the Monroe Doctrine. Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic were selected to represent the Caribbean, reflecting their strategic importance in regional geopolitics, energy security, and security cooperation.

The details

The 'Shield of the Americas' Summit aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, security cooperation and policy coordination among participating governments as they confront evolving threats from transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. U.S. officials say the meeting will 'promote freedom, security, and prosperity in our region.' Ousted U.S. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been named Special Envoy for the summit, though it's unclear if she will attend.

  • The 'Shield of the Americas' Summit is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

The President of Guyana, one of the fastest-growing economies in the hemisphere due to its rapidly expanding oil sector, giving the country strategic importance in regional geopolitics and energy security.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, a country that continues to play a key role in Caribbean security cooperation and regional diplomacy.

Luis Abinader

The President of the Dominican Republic, one of the three Caribbean leaders invited to the summit.

Kristi Noem

The ousted U.S. DHS Secretary who has been named Special Envoy for the 'Shield of the Americas' summit.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who provided details about the summit's focus and goals.

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What they’re saying

“The summit is designed to strengthen regional cooperation among governments confronting similar security challenges.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (newsamericasnow.com)

“The meeting will focus on building stronger partnerships to address issues affecting countries across the Americas.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (newsamericasnow.com)

What’s next

It is unclear if ousted U.S. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who has been named Special Envoy for the summit, will be present at the event.

The takeaway

The invitation of only three Caribbean leaders to the 'Shield of the Americas' Summit highlights the region's growing strategic importance in hemispheric discussions on security, migration, and organized crime, as the U.S. seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination to address these evolving challenges.