Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sought to distance Trinidad and Tobago from a United States-led blockade targeting “sanctioned oil tankers” entering Venezuela, stressing that the country is not participating in any such action and has not been asked to assist.
Her comments come amid rising regional tensions following statements by US President Donald Trump and an increased US military presence in the Caribbean.
On Tuesday, Trump said the US naval armada in the region “will only get bigger,” claiming Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America.” In a social media post, he added: “The shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before — Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us.”
The escalation followed last week’s seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast by US forces, an unusual move that came after a buildup of American military assets in the region.
Speaking with reporters yesterday after attending the funeral of former colleague Daphne Phillips, Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago has received no request from Washington to assist with any blockade.
“They have asked for no assistance about blockading in Venezuela, no, they have not,” she said.
The Prime Minister noted that Trump’s actions fall within US sovereign authority and said Trinidad and Tobago is not involved.
“Those are matters within the sovereign powers of the United States. I am not part of that.”
Asked about the country’s position in the event of US military strikes, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the Government’s priority is national safety and that Trinidad and Tobago has no hostile intent toward its neighbour.
“T and T first, that will always be our position. We have no intention of engaging in any war with Venezuela. I’ve always said we stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and we will continue so to do.”
She said Trinidad and Tobago’s main security concerns remain drug trafficking, human trafficking and the illegal flow of firearms, which she described as the most serious threats facing the country and the wider region.
Persad-Bissessar also pointed to ongoing security cooperation with the United States, saying the partnership is focused on public safety rather than military aggression. She expressed satisfaction with its results, noting a reduction of 240 murders linked to strengthened security efforts.
“For me, it is about the drugs, human trafficking, narco trafficking, and all those horror things. We can’t be living here with over 600 murders and feel like everything is honky dory and we are in a zone of peace, we are not. Trinidad and Tobago is definitely not in a peaceful place, but it is getting better.”
She dismissed claims that Trinidad and Tobago is being used as a launching pad for US military operations, reiterating that the Government’s focus remains on border protection and citizen safety.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan lawmakers yesterday accused the United States of attempting to steal their country’s oil, land and minerals. They unanimously approved a declaration rejecting what they described as Trump’s “grotesque threats,” arguing that they violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty. The lawmakers said they would raise the matter at the United Nations and other international bodies, while urging citizens to remain mobilised in defence of the homeland.
Regional leaders have also called for restraint. The presidents of Mexico and Brazil advocated for de-escalation, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum calling for greater UN involvement.
