Safety of Caribbean citizens top priority, says CARICOM after Maduro seized

The Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened on Saturday, January 3, 2026, following the United States’ military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Bureau includes leaders from Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.

In a statement issued from the CARICOM Secretariat, the Bureau reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to international law, multilateralism, and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and human dignity.

“The Region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the people of Venezuela,” the statement read.

CARICOM also pledged its readiness to support efforts aimed at promoting stability in Venezuela “in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.” The Bureau confirmed it is monitoring the evolving situation closely, including potential economic impacts across the Caribbean, particularly on air travel, and said every effort is being made to ensure the safety and security of citizens in the Region.

The statement comes as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were flown to Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, New York, on Saturday afternoon. They face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.

The US launched a large-scale military operation involving air, land, and sea forces early Saturday, reportedly using at least 150 aircraft. Following the capture, President Donald Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference that the United States “is going to run” Venezuela “until such time as a safe, proper and judicious transition can take place,” and that Washington will consider tapping the country’s oil reserves.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the US actions on state television, calling them an attempt at regime change to seize Venezuela’s oil and natural resources, and stated that the country stands ready to defend those resources.