Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has lashed out at Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Phillip Alexander, accusing him of being a “pawn of the United States” following controversial comments he made about Venezuela.
Speaking via her Instagram account, Rodríguez criticised Alexander’s suggestion that India could attack Venezuela with nuclear weapons in defense of T&T, citing the country’s population of East Indian descent. She said:
“The only nuclear bomb was the one dropped into the brain of this official from this newly sworn-in Government. Trinidad and Tobago should think of its people before they try to attack Venezuela and renounce their servitude to the US. They could not and will not with our determination to freedom and self-determination, widely exercised in our diplomacy of peace. Venezuela is hope.”
Alexander has since backtracked on his remarks, telling Guardian Media that he will “stay in his lane” and leave matters concerning international relations to Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers.
Rodríguez accused T&T of subservience to the United States Government, which she said is seeking to “steal” Venezuela’s energy resources. She reaffirmed her country’s commitment to defend its sovereignty and self-determination.
Venezuela and India maintain strong commercial ties, with India importing Venezuelan oil and exporting food, medicine, and other goods. Rodríguez herself has visited India several times, highlighting the countries’ close relationship.
