Trinidad and Tobago’s Military Cooperation with the U.S.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has historically advocated for military collaboration with the United States, presenting it as beneficial for both nations.
Since taking office in May, she began to express her support in September, particularly commending President Trump’s actions against a Venezuelan drug vessel, as reported by CNN. “I, like most of the country, am pleased that the U.S. Navy deployment is succeeding in its mission,” she stated. “The pain and suffering cartels have inflicted on our country is immeasurable. I have no sympathy for the traffickers. The U.S. military should violently kill them all.”
Persad-Bissessar emphasized that tackling drug, gun, and human trafficking could significantly reduce violence in the Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, which has recently faced two states of emergency. “Our country is ravaged by bloody violence due to the greed of the cartels,” she added, blaming them for the ongoing massacres.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which Trinidad and Tobago is a founding member, has expressed open support for U.S. initiatives framed as efforts against transnational crime, according to Dr. Jacqueline Laguardia Martinez from the University of the West Indies.
Furthermore, Persad-Bissessar has advanced military cooperation by allowing the installation of advanced surveillance technology from the U.S. Marine Corps along Tobago’s coast. She has also permitted the movement of troops and equipment on the island, which is just a short distance from Venezuela’s shores.
In response to these developments, President Maduro criticized her, claiming she is turning Trinidad into a U.S. military base against Venezuela. He and his foreign minister warned that U.S. intervention would have severe repercussions for Trinidad. Conversely, Persad-Bissessar has denied that her country is serving as a military base, suggesting that Trinidad and Tobago is less vulnerable to Venezuela’s political pressures.
After the recent ousting of Maduro, Persad-Bissessar expressed optimism for improved relations with Venezuelans, stating her hope for their transition toward democracy and justice. She reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago does not engage in military operations.
With Maduro’s departure, there are indications that Persad-Bissessar may shift focus towards gas exploitation, especially since previous discussions regarding offshore gas fields were halted due to tensions. Now, her government might secure more favorable agreements with Maduro’s successor.
