A key U.S. delegate that took part in last month's oil disaster preparedness forum says "very frank and practical" discussions have taken place with Cuba ahead of its drilling program.
With the country's first rig arriving from China, and other players in the region eyeing their own oil drilling industries, concerns have been raised over the ability to react appropriately to a spill that would likely impact multiple coastlines.
Alex Sokoloff, who also serves as the chief political and economics officer at the U.S. Embassy, told Guardian Business that all nations, including Cuba, expressed a willingness to work together.
"Oil spill mitigation must be put into place and points of contact established for dispersements and dealing with the technical aspects of a disaster," he said. "I thought the discussions were very frank and practical. There was a common interest in really addressing the issue. These are the first steps now to put in place in terms of mechanisms and what the appropriate protocols are."
Sokoloff added that poor relations between the U.S. and Cuba, while historically documented, are now somewhat of a "misnomer".
He told Guardian Business their respective coast guards work together as well as their transportation security agencies.
The U.S. imposed an embargo on Cuba in the early 1960s following the Cuban Revolution.  Analysts say that the embargo could seriously hamper any U.S.-based participation in a regional oil disaster, with ocean and air currents sharing a spill with Cuba's neighbors.
Cuba is not alone in its pursuit of riches through oil drilling.  The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) is just one of several in the region exploring the possibilities of rich hydrocarbon deposits under the seabed.
"I think it's a fact of life oil drilling will happen throughout the region," he said.
"Cuba is moving forward.  Jamaica is looking at it and so is The Bahamas.  There are good economic reasons, but there are also good environmental reasons for it to be done with a lot of caution."
In the case of a spill, Sokoloff insisted that all regional players must work together and "act quickly".
According to a recent environmental impact report submitted by BPC to the local government, a disaster in Bahamian waters would likely result in much of the oil being pushed away from its shores.
The first oil disaster preparedness forum, held in Nassau last December, involved delegates from the U.S., Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba and The Bahamas.
Coming out of those discussions was the development of a preliminary matrix addressing oil-spill prevention, protocols, preparedness and communication that was circulated to all member states. They will each be taking that matrix back to their respective agencies to "tweak", making submissions about how to improve it.
Sokoloff said a follow-up meeting is being planned for next month, although the location has yet to be finalized.

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