NEW YORK:As the Caribbean communities across several states celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month, a number of planned events have been spread across the United States for June. But absent for the second straight year is a proclamation from the Trump Administration to herald the month.Dr Claire Nelson, organiser of Caribbean Heritage Month, said that the Trump administration has taken the decision not to issue proclamations marking such events.One of the highlights of the month will be a two-day forum with elected officials from the US Senate and the US House of representatives reflecting on the fact that the future of US-Caribbean relations is increasingly being shaped by the intersection of security, trade, finance, infrastructure, migration, disaster resilience, health systems, and geopolitical competition."The Caribbean is not a distant policy concern. It is America's third border, connected to the United States through trade, tourism, migration, financial systems, workforce mobility, and shared security interests," said Nelson, who is also the founder and president of the Institute of Caribbean Studies.Nelson said that the objective of the dialogue is to move beyond fragmented approaches and explore how both the United States and the Caribbean can strengthen resilience across interconnected systems.A recurring theme throughout the meeting will be the transition from traditional development assistance models toward a systems-based approach centered on resilience, risk management, investment, and strategic partnership.Participants will explore how the Caribbean and the United States can work together to strengthen security systems, financial systems, infrastructure systems, health systems, workforce systems, disaster preparedness and recovery systems, as well as regional governance and cooperation.The first day of the dialogue will focus on security, trade, development finance, energy, and strategic infrastructure.The second day will focus on financial resilience, disaster recovery, health systems, migration, workforce mobility, and the future of U.S.–Caribbean engagement.A number of cultural activities are also being held to mark the month.At the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, a movie night was held as part of its activities to mark Caribbean Heritage Month, with The Harder They Come being the featured film.A number of cities have also held flag-raising ceremonies while mayors and governors in several states have also issued proclamations to mark the month.Lester Hinds