3 weeks ago
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Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sought to reassure citizens that there is “no crisis” in the country following a pre-dawn United States military operation in neighboring Venezuela on January 3.
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In a statement addressing growing regional concern, Persad-Bissessar said daily life in Trinidad and Tobago remains unaffected and stressed that the country has no involvement in the events unfolding across the Gulf of Paria.
“There is no crisis in Trinidad and Tobago. Today, just like yesterday, was a normal day in Trinidad and Tobago,” the Prime Minister said. “What happened in Venezuela has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago. We are not involved, so citizens have no need to be bothered.”
Her comments came hours after US President Donald Trump announced via social media that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country during what was described as a large-scale US strike. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said Maduro would stand trial in the United States on criminal charges.
Persad-Bissessar dismissed suggestions that the situation posed any immediate threat to Trinidad and Tobago, saying claims of instability were being exaggerated.
“Some persons may be desperate to manufacture a crisis where there is none, but to each his own,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to maintaining strong ties with the Venezuelan people, expressing hope for a democratic transition in the country.
“Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to renewed cooperation and the strengthening of our longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela in the coming years,” she said, adding that she wished them “God’s guidance on their transition from oppression and dictatorship to democracy and prosperity.”
Persad-Bissessar also addressed questions surrounding the Dragon Gas project, a long-discussed cross-border energy initiative involving Venezuelan reserves. She emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago has no claim to the resource.
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“Dragon gas is the property of the Venezuelan people,” she said. “Whenever they choose a leader through free and fair democratic elections, that leader will make a decision on Dragon gas. Trinidad and Tobago does not covet Venezuelan property; we never have and we never will.”
Responding to questions about the US indictment against Maduro and references to alleged Caribbean involvement in drug trafficking networks, the Prime Minister said she was not surprised by the widening scope of the investigation.
“I’m not surprised at all,” Persad-Bissessar said. “As the story continues to unfold, I have no doubt that many ‘respectable’ and ‘celebrated’ people across all sectors of society will be exposed.”
An excerpt from the US indictment alleges that Maduro and members of his regime enabled drug trafficking throughout the region, including along a so-called “Caribbean route,” where politicians were allegedly paid to provide protection and allow traffickers to operate with impunity.
Despite the unfolding developments, Persad-Bissessar maintained that Trinidad and Tobago remains stable and focused on its own national priorities, urging citizens to remain calm as events continue to develop in Venezuela.
English (US) ·