Archbishop condemns US military action in region, calls for dialogue

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon offers communion to acolytes during the New Year’s Service at the Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church at Harris Promenade, San Fernando on January 1. - Photos by Innis Francis

ARCHBISHOP Charles Jason Gordon has kicked off 2026 by condemning the US military action in the Caribbean, calling for unity among the region's leaders against it, as the poor would suffer the most from any resulting conflict.

In a release made as head of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), which Kirk Jean-Baptiste read during the New Year's service at Our Lady of Perpetual Hope in San Fernando, Gordon expressed deep concern over the Caribbean Sea becoming a "theatre for confrontation not of our making."

Citing some 35 airstrikes which have killed over 100 people at sea, the seizing of an oil tanker and airspace restrictions as part of a military blockade of Venezuela, Gordon said the military action elevates the risk to innocent lives and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the South American country. Furthermore, he said the actions strain maritime commerce, tourism, and the welfare of thousands whose livelihoods depend on safe and open seas.

"While we recognised the legitimate responsibility of states to address transnational crime and uphold international law, we reaffirm more urgently than before that militarisation is not the road to durable security. Heightened operations in our region, whether by global powers or regional actors, further entrench mistrust, disrupt economies, and endanger the most vulnerable. War, or the threat of war, is always a defeat for humanity."

Gordon said the AEC stood in solidarity with the Venezuelan people at this critical moment in their nation's history.

"Guided by the testimony of their own bishops and by conversations with regional church leaders, we acknowledge the overwhelming desire of the Venezuelan people for democratic renewal and for leadership that restores justice, peace, and the integrity of their institutions. Their quest for a nation rebuilt on these foundations deserves the attention, respect, and solidarity of the Caribbean community."

Gordon urged all governments with influence in the Caribbean basin, including the US, Venezuela, the Caricom nations, and hemispheric partners, to choose dialogue over force, diplomacy over intimidation, and co-operation over unilateral action.

"In particular, I strongly support the call for Caricom to meet urgently to address the raft of divisive geopolitical disputes straining regional unity, and I implore Caribbean leaders to speak with one voice on behalf of our peoples and to desist from publicly criticising one another, as this deepens fragmentation at a time when unity is essential."

Caricom has been divided on the US military action since the buildup began in August. While Caricom asserts the region should remain a Zone of Peace, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejected the notion and criticised the bloc as she expressed support for the action. TT has also hosted the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint training exercises, and a controversial US military radar has been nstalled at the ANR Robinson Airport in Tobago.

Parishioners attend the New Year’s Service at the Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church at Harris Promenade, San Fernando on January 1.

Gordon called for Christians and the faithful to "pray fervently" for peace in the Caribbean Sea and for all those affected by the military action, including families mourning loved ones lost at sea, migrants fleeing hardship, workers in aviation, shipping, and tourism, and "especially the poor, who will suffer most from instability and rising costs."

"As bishops, we remain committed to working with ecumenical partners, civic organisations, and regional leaders to safeguard the dignity of every person and to ensure that our Caribbean remains a space of hospitality, coexistence, and hope. May our nations choose the path of dialogue, justice, and fraternity, and may God grant peace to our beloved region."

Gordon delivered the homily and lead the communion during the service.