Tensions escalate between Trinidad and Venezuela over mercenary allegations

Diplomatic tensions flared Friday after the Venezuelan government accused Trinidad and Tobago of overreacting to what it described as a “legitimate complaint” regarding the use of Trinidadian territory by mercenaries seeking to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro’s administration.

In a strongly worded statement, Caracas expressed “its profound surprise at the irate and unjustified reaction” of the Trinidad and Tobago government, insisting that President Maduro’s claims were supported by evidence.

“Venezuela has captured criminals of Trinidadian origin, who have confessed their plans, statements that have been duly supported with compelling evidence presented by the competent authorities,” the statement read.

The reaction came a day after Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar condemned remarks made by Venezuelan officials, including Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello, who claimed earlier this week that a Trinidadian national had been involved in “terrorist activities” aimed at destabilizing the Venezuelan government. The individual was identified as “Gis Kendel Jheron.”

At a post-Cabinet press conference Thursday night, Persad Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago was taking “very seriously” what she described as threats from Venezuela. She added that there was no evidence to support Cabello’s allegations and firmly rejected any suggestion of Venezuelan interference in Trinidad’s affairs.

“Today I want to make it very clear to the Venezuelan government and officials that they can do whatever they wish to on Venezuelan territory, but they cannot come here,” the Prime Minister stated. “TNT territory is off-limits to them.”

She also warned that any veiled threat of Venezuelan action within Trinidad and Tobago’s borders would be met with serious concern. “We have to take all threats against any incursion into our territory seriously,” Persad Bissessar emphasized.

The Prime Minister further declared unwavering support for the United States on Venezuela-related matters: “We stand solidly with the American government on the issues concerning Venezuela. That will not change. We want no part of the Venezuelan government’s interior political gimmickry.”

Venezuela, in response, said that Persad Bissessar’s “virulent and high-sounding attitude raises serious suspicions of complicity with this incursion and compromises the good relations of cooperation that exist between our countries in fundamental areas.”

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Caracas called on the Trinidad and Tobago government to avoid “geopolitical games that are alien to the interests of our peoples” and reaffirmed its commitment to “peace, sovereignty, and mutual respect.” The statement emphasized that any concerns should be resolved through diplomatic channels, “not through threats or unfounded statements that only fuel artificial tensions.”

Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley weighed in, urging the current administration to exercise restraint and maintain diplomatic engagement. Citing the proximity of the nation’s offshore gas fields to Venezuela, he warned against escalating rhetoric.

“To throw down a ‘deadly force’ gauntlet to Venezuela can only be viewed as ‘powerful stupid’ and an unnecessary burning of our bridges with a friendly neighbor,” Rowley said. “Ignorance is never a solid basis on which to approach any issue.”

He criticized the government’s dismissive tone, questioning, “What happened to standard diplomacy, fact-finding, and common sense in handling sensitive matters of this nature?”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge confirmed at Thursday’s briefing that no official contact had yet been made with the Venezuelan authorities regarding the allegations.