The Caribbean must stand as one

United States battleships are being deployed in Caribbean waters, in what Washington says is a mission against drug cartels. This is not some distant exercise in law enforcement. It is unfolding in T&T’s backyard, with implications that extend well beyond the drug trade.

Whenever foreign powers flex military muscle in this region, sovereignty is at risk. From colonial conquest to the Cold War, the Caribbean has too often been reduced to a pawn on a larger chessboard. Today is no different. The question is whether Caribbean nations will respond as scattered, isolated states—as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has suggested—or as a region that understands its strength lies in unity.

Drug trafficking is a real and corrosive problem. It has scarred Caribbean societies, stolen young lives, and undermined governance. But the United States, as the primary market for narcotics and a major source of weapons, bears its share of responsibility. Cooperation is welcome but it must be grounded in respect.

That respect has been in short supply. Under President Donald Trump, Washington’s approach to the region has shifted. Where previous administrations spoke of partnership and development, this White House has been more transactional, more narrowly focused on security, and quicker to utilize Caribbean waters as a frontline in its geopolitical struggles. Engagement on climate change, trade, and economic support—the issues most pressing to small island states—has been sidelined

Naval deployments have never solved the drug problem. Cartels adapt, routes shift, and violence spreads. What does work is sustained investment: better intelligence sharing, stronger border security, and, above all, programmes that offer alternatives to crime. That is the kind of partnership this region needs—not the shadow of foreign warships.

This is why regional unity is critical. Alone, Caribbean governments risk being sidelined or dictated to. Together, Caricom has leverage. Together, this region can insist on consultation before foreign vessels enter the Caribbean and shape cooperation that tackles crime without eroding sovereignty.

Unity is not an abstract ideal; for Caricom states it is survival. Climate change, migration, organised crime—none of these threats respect borders. Yet too often, regional leaders behave as though they do. The sight of US battleships should be a wake-up call: divided, we are vulnerable.

This is the moment for Caricom leaders to act and demand clarity from Washington. What is the scope of this operation? How will territorial waters and airspace be respected? What role will Caribbean governments and security forces play? What guarantees exist for the safety of citizens?

Silence is not an option. Disunity is not an option. If the Caribbean fails to present a common front, decisions will be taken without us—and imposed on us.

This is a community of nations bound by shared history, culture, and resilience. When we stand together, we are not small. We are significant.

The US may see its battleships as tools against cartels. For the people of the Caribbean, they are a reminder that power respects power. If we want our sovereignty respected, we must show unity. If we want to shape our future, we must speak with one voice.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar would do well to reconsider her stance. T&T should not stand apart from Caricom at this critical time.

The lesson is clear: divided, we are ignored. United, we cannot be overlooked.