The Trinidad and Tobago government on Thursday night responded firmly to threats from Venezuela regarding alleged attempts to destabilize the Maduro government using nationals based outside Venezuela, including Trinidad and Tobago.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, speaking at a post-Cabinet news conference, addressed accusations made by Venezuelan Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello. Cabello claimed a Trinidad and Tobago national, “Gis Kendel Jheron,” was involved in “terrorist activities” aimed at destabilizing Venezuela. He repeated President Nicolas Maduro’s charge that “terrorists,” including Colombians, had used Trinidad and Tobago as a launching pad for their efforts.
“There must be justice. We are going after the gangs, wherever they are and wherever they are. Together, we will guarantee peace in this country,” Cabello said.
However, Persad Bissessar stated there is no evidence to support these claims. “Today I want to make it very clear to the Venezuelan government and officials that they can do whatever they want on Venezuelan territory, but they cannot come here. TNT territory is off-limits to them. If Mr. Cabello’s comments are a veiled threat to enter TNT territory, they should reconsider any such intention,” she said.
The Prime Minister confirmed she would consult Defence Minister Wayne Sturge and Attorney General John Jeremie to seek advice and protection for the Coast Guard, including authorizing the use of deadly force on any unidentified vessels entering Trinidad and Tobago waters from Venezuela smuggling military-age men and women.
“TNT is off limits to them. Following comments from Maduro and Cabello, we now have to take seriously the threat by that government sending their agents into our country to commit acts adverse to our welfare,” Persad Bissessar said.
She also highlighted the issue of Venezuelan migrants, particularly military-aged men and women, saying, “We have to take this threat seriously now.” The Prime Minister noted Venezuela has previously made similar accusations against neighboring countries during internal political turmoil or elections, often followed by border skirmishes.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge acknowledged that no official contact had been made with Venezuelan authorities regarding the claims. “When we received the reports yesterday, I spoke with the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel, who assured me the radars did not pick up any unusual activity. There is no evidence to substantiate the claim made by the Venezuelan government.”
Sturge added that Port of Spain is awaiting further proof from Venezuela to either confirm or refute the allegations, noting, “They have provided a name of someone they claim is Trinidadian but have not provided any pictures or evidence.”
The defence minister stressed the seriousness of the threat given the geopolitical context and proximity to Venezuela. He said Venezuelans aged 18 and over residing in Trinidad and Tobago will be monitored, as “we are not certain of their backgrounds or whether they were involved in gangs.” Those found to be threats will be deported according to the law.
On the government’s stance regarding migrants, Sturge mentioned discussions will continue on the future of the legal migration policy established in 2019, which allows for deportation of anyone who violates the law.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar also warned drug and human traffickers operating under the guise of fishermen, saying, “If you enter Venezuelan waters to do your illegal acts and are caught by authorities, you are on your own. No amount of family crying will cause us to intervene.”
Responding to accusations of U.S. involvement in the plot against Maduro, Persad Bissessar dismissed them as “the tired old bogey of blaming the Yankees.” She added, “Mr. Cabello should ask himself why Venezuelans are fleeing Venezuela in the first place? Is it because of the behavior of their own government?”
She concluded, “No amount of rhetoric from the Maduro government will drive any wedge between this UNC-led government and the US government. We stand solidly with the American government on issues concerning Venezuela. That will not change. We want no part of the Venezuelan government’s internal political gimmickry. We are peaceful neighbors; let us leave it at that.”
