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February 2026
Week of Feb 23, compared to 12-week average
Economic activity is fragmented, with major US military spending, Chinese cooperation pledges, and private oil success driving separate tracks. The cost of a US-led Caribbean operation is nearing $3 billion, while China promotes AI and green energy cooperation. Exxon Mobil leverages its Guyana success for global marketing.
US Senator Rubio is actively pressuring Caribbean leaders over Cuba and Venezuela, while US judicial and executive actions clash over Haiti policy. Rubio defended the capture of Maduro and met with leaders as Trinidad and Tobago warmed to Washington, even as a federal judge blocked Trump's termination of protections for Haitians.
Security focus is overwhelmingly on Haiti, with a US military deployment and persistent gang violence. U.S. warships arrived in Port-au-Prince, and the State Department issued a security alert for heavy gunfire near the US Embassy.
The dominant tension is the profound humanitarian and displacement crisis in Haiti, which is worsening. Over 300,000 Haitians in the US await a possible end to protected status, while UNICEF warns child recruitment by armed groups in Haiti tripled last year, against a backdrop of climate impacts on coral reefs.