2 months ago
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Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley has called on the government of Trinidad and Tobago to defend the country’s sovereignty and uphold Caricom’s commitment to the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace,” as reports surface of a United States naval armada sailing closer to the region.
Rowley said in a Facebook post that the situation represents a test of leadership for the government, stressing that it must not be “found wanting” in the face of what he described as an “adventurous military excursion” into regional waters.
The former prime minister accused the Government of hypocrisy, recalling that while in opposition they had, in his words, actively undermined Caricom’s diplomatic efforts to avoid foreign-imposed regime change in Venezuela.
He pointed to their criticism of Trinidad and Tobago’s approach at the United Nations, where his administration had advocated for multilateralism and respect for the UN Charter, and their dismissal of diplomatic initiatives with countries such as Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Uruguay and the African Union.
Rowley further accused opposition figures of supporting the recognition of Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela by the US, Canada and European allies, and of calling for sanctions against T&T government ministers, including himself and the then–minister of energy.
“Now that the chickens are coming home to roost,” Rowley said, “the question for the people of Trinidad and Tobago is whether it is better to follow unpatriotic opposition folly or to maintain sovereignty and diplomatic self-interest in government. We await to see if our leaders have the resolve, or if they even have a functioning tongue.”
Rowley’s comments come as regional leaders continue to monitor US military movements and their potential impact on Caribbean stability.
English (US) ·