USAID has worked in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean for over three decades implementing programs to promote economic growth, improve the education system, promote environmental conservation, strengthen disaster mitigation and response capacity, respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, strengthen democracy and governance, and meet other development needs in the region.

Beginning in 2009, the U.S. Government began its collaboration with Caribbean governments through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) to improve citizen security throughout the hemisphere. CBSI was launched to respond to growing security challenges faced by the region. As part of CBSI, USAID implements youth crime and violence prevention programs in the region and supports pillar 3 of CBSI, centered on promoting social justice. USAID/ESC aims to reduce youth crime and violence levels.

Recognizing the threats that Global Climate Change (GCC) presents for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, USAID launched efforts to assist the region to adapt to the impacts of GCC, focusing on strengthening coastal management and responding to increasing freshwater scarcity.

USAID also implements HIV/AIDS prevention programs in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) United States-Caribbean Regional HIV/AIDS Partnership Framework.