The United States Department of State has confirmed that US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is set to visit Jamaica this week. Photo: Loop News

A statement from the department on Monday said in addition to Jamaica, Rubio will visit Guyana and Suriname from Wednesday, March 26 to Thursday, March 27.

While in Jamaica, he will also hold bilateral engagements with heads of state from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti.

“Secretary Rubio’s engagements with our valued Caribbean partners will promote regional cooperation to end illegal immigration, counter transnational organised crime, strengthen regional actions to address Haiti’s political and security challenges, and strengthen the United States’ economic partnerships with Caribbean countries,” the state department outlined.

Rubio’s visit comes at a time when Caribbean leaders have been voicing their views on how recent US policy shifts, including potential visa restrictions on foreign government officials who engage with Cuban medics, could affect the region.

Previous media reports said Prime Minister of Barbados and current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mia Mottley, is among the regional leaders who are expected to be present at Wednesday’s meeting in Jamaica.