The T-STAR program supports basic and applied research on invasive species with respect to (i) their biology, ecology, (ii) methods of diagnosis/identification, detection, surveillance, exclusion, eradication and control and (iii) development of comprehensive safeguarding strategies, including international policy development and coordination among all countries and territories, and the use of internet-based communications to facilitate all aspects of a coordinated Regional system to prevent and mitigate invasive species impacts. Currently significant emphasis is on building technical and institutional policy support platforms for an effective US/Caribbean Basin Invasive Species Safeguarding System. A brief history of the T-STAR program is presented including the actions taken by various scientists and administrators to arrive at the invasive species program in the Greater Caribbean Region. A list of invasive species research projects currently funded by T-STAR is included.