About the Author: Juan A. Alsace serves as the Director of the Office of the Caribbean in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

With such close proximity to the United States, many Americans have Caribbean roots. Like many others who feel the pull of the region, my own Caribbean heritage — my parents are from the Dominican Republic — inspired me to serve as a U.S. diplomat there and led to my current position as Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs. More than 6 million U.S. citizens and residents visit the Caribbean every year and leave with wonderful memories: idyllic beaches, crystal blue waters, and inviting hosts. Relaxation at its best, some would argue.

The reality is that the challenges many Caribbean citizens face in their daily lives are far from relaxing. Poverty, social stigmas, and above all, crime and insecurity deeply impact the people of… more »

About the Author: David Machak serves as the Information Resource Center Director at the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

On May 18, the U.S. Embassy partnered with the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago to launch the Caribbean’s first U.S. Science Corner. More than 100 students, educators, and enthusiastic members of the public attended this fantastic event that was highlighted on all local television stations. U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Beatrice Welters and Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston Peters addressed the audience and participated in a festive ribbon cutting ceremony. The two-hour launch featured two hands-on demonstrations — the science of fingerprinting and a presentation by a local forensic scientist who is also a former Fulbright scholar. 

Ambassador Welters stressed the importance of science to the future of both countries. She said, “This… more »