Trinidad and Tobago government officials speak at a press briefing on regional security and U.S. military activity in the Caribbean.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government “wishes to once more, categorially express its strong support for the ongoing military intervention of the United States of America in the region.
“These operations aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true “Zone of Peace” where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment,” the statement said.
On Saturday, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that CARICOM leaders had met to discuss several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.
It said that the government of the twin-island republic did not endorse the position at that meeting.
The meeting follows a series of deadly strikes by the Donald Trump administration targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the Venezuelan coast, the latest of which reportedly claimed the lives of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals.
“Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, Heads agreed on the following: They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict. “CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective,” the CARICOM statement read.
The regional leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, which continue to pose significant threats to regional stability. They stressed that such challenges must be addressed through ongoing international cooperation and in keeping with international law.
Additionally, CARICOM leaders reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, which adversely affect the region. They further underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.
On Sunday, the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that his country had conducted a strike Friday on a boat that American intelligence officials believed was involved in illegal drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
Hegseth wrote in a post on X that the vessel was affiliated with a Colombian terrorist organization and had “substantial amounts of narcotics” on board. He said the three men on the boat were all killed and no US forces were harmed.
In its statement on Sunday, Port of Spain said that the Trinidad and Tobago government “affirms that these operations are not meant to target law abiding persons, specifically fisherfolk and other seafaring individuals seeking to earn an honest living.
“Alternatively, all persons who may seek to engage in, or indirectly support, any illegal activities in the region, are warned that should they be so inclined, they do so at their own peril.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its commitment to the people of the Caribbean for the creation of a safer, stronger and more prosperous region,” the statement added.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has publicly praised the US campaign, saying she was happy that the US naval deployment “is having success in its mission.
“Evil cartel traffickers fuel the slaughter of our people. The pain and suffering the cartels have inflicted on our nation is immense. I have no sympathy for traffickers; the US military should kill them all violently,” she said in a statement last month.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles is condemning the “continued absence and silence” of Prime Minister Persad Bissessar on “critical national and international matters of urgent importance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago”
In a statement, the leader of the prominent opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said the prime minister has been silent “ the face of … a regional security build-up that directly impacts our sovereignty”.
She said Persad Bissessar has chosen “retreat over responsibility” and that her refusal to address the nation or to participate in the recently concluded 2026 National Budget Debate “is a betrayal of the office she holds and the people she serves”.
Beckles said that the national community has taken note that Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has also “refused to answer questions on national security, instead shamefully redirecting the media to the United States for comment” and that she “has allowed Trinidad and Tobago to stand alone in CARICOM, “reserving its position” on the region’s collective statement on peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity”.
Beckles said that the statement by CARICOM leaders on Saturday was explicit in naming Trinidad and Tobago in not adopting the regional position, adding “.this diplomatic isolation raises serious questions about the government’s foreign policy direction and the Prime Minister’s understanding of regional security concerns.
“The nation deserves to know why Trinidad and Tobago refused to stand with its Caribbean partners in affirming the region as a Zone of Peace,” Beckles said, adding that the Opposition therefore calls upon the Prime Minister to “immediately address the nation on the state of the economy, national security, and Trinidad and Tobago’s regional position”.
She said that the prime minister should also “explain the decision to “reserve” Trinidad and Tobago’s stance at CARICOM.
“The continued absence of the Prime Minister from national discourse is a dereliction of duty and a disgrace to the high office she occupies. The people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve better, honesty, transparency, accountability, and leadership with vision and courage,” Beckles added.
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