On the eve of the inaugural U.S.-Caribbean Maritime & Ports Forum, the bustling docks of PortMiami became more than a hub for global trade—they set the stage for a high-level meeting of minds.
At 1:00 p.m. today, port leaders, regional ministers, and international financiers gathered for an exclusive pre-event to lay the groundwork for a new era of Caribbean infrastructure, security, and economic development.
Hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Caribbean Initiative in partnership with PortMiami, the session offered an intimate venue for decision-makers to tackle the “Blue Economy’s” most pressing challenges ahead of the main forum at Fontainebleau Miami Beach tomorrow.
A focus on resilient infrastructure and creative finance
Discussions underscored a critical reality: the Caribbean’s geographic advantage can only be fully leveraged through modern, resilient infrastructure. With maritime trade serving as the lifeline for island nations, the dialogue explored strategies to attract institutional capital into port expansions.
Financial leaders and development experts emphasized the growing importance of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) and green financing. These tools, they agreed, are essential for building facilities capable of withstanding climate volatility while accommodating increased TEU volumes.
Securing the trade lanes
Security remained a top priority. As ports increasingly embrace digital operations, attendees discussed the twin challenges of physical and cybersecurity. Standardized security protocols across the Caribbean basin were highlighted as vital to ensure smoother trade with U.S. hubs like Miami.
Regional operators and consultants stressed the importance of technologies that accelerate “last-mile” logistics without compromising safety.
Celebrating leadership: Special awards presentation
A highlight of the afternoon was a special awards presentation led by Sonless Martin of PortMiami, recognizing leaders at the intersection of philanthropy, environmental policy, and maritime growth:
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Ms. Adrienne Arsht, Executive Vice Chair of the Atlantic Council and Founder of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, received an award for her commitment to regional resilience and strengthening U.S.-Caribbean partnerships.
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The Hon. Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, was honored for ensuring that port development in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean aligns with ecological sustainability.
“Today we honor those who have provided both the vision and policy framework to make a sustainable Blue Economy possible,” Martin said during the presentation.
Distinguished attendees
The pre-event drew an elite group of public- and private-sector stakeholders, including:
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Adrienne Arsht, Executive Vice Chair, Atlantic Council
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The Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Jamaica
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Patricia Francis, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Caribbean Initiative
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Jeffrey Hall, CEO and Vice Chairman, Pan Jamaica Group Limited; Chairman, Kingston Wharves Limited
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Tim Martin, President and CEO, Tropical Shipping
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Rick Crooks, President and CEO, EAC Consulting
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Captain Gus Andersson, Associate Vice President, Royal Caribbean Group
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Lilia Burunciuc, Country Director for Caribbean Countries, World Bank
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Dion Bethell, President and CFO, Nassau Container Port, Bahamas
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Erik Bethel, General Partner, Mare Liberum Capital
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Felipe Ezquerra, Head of Transport, Infrastructure and Energy Division, IDB Invest
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Adam Carter, Managing Director, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank
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Andrew Clutz, Head of Economic Development, Tractus Asia
As the gathering concluded against the backdrop of the Miami skyline, one message stood out: the Caribbean is open for business, but success depends on collaborative investment, shared security, and a commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
