Trinidad PM Persad-Bissessar describes meeting with US Southern Command as ‘fruitful’

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described her meeting Monday with top officials at the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) as “productive and fruitful,” highlighting the countries’ ongoing partnership in national and regional security and the fight against narco-trafficking.

In a statement posted on X, Persad-Bissessar said the Trinidad and Tobago delegation attended the meeting “based on an invitation from the United States government, given our strong support, determined action, and dynamic partnership to eliminate the illegal drug trade.”

The Prime Minister noted that discussions with U.S. officials—including General Francis L. Donovan, Commander of SOUTHCOM; Lieutenant General Pettus, Deputy Commander; and Ambassador Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, Foreign Policy Advisor—focused on strengthening cooperation to ensure “a safer and more secure Trinidad and Tobago at every level.”

Persad-Bissessar expressed satisfaction that General Donovan acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership in the region, noting that the country’s efforts have significantly impacted the fight against the illegal drug trade. “Based on this, I reinforced my support for the continued and expanded partnerships to fight narco-trafficking, as my main goal is to ensure a total eradication of this plague that has brought grave destruction to Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that her “greatest priority was to ensure the protection of my citizens,” calling for expanded partnerships and technical cooperation in areas including cybersecurity, forensics, and ballistics to enhance the country’s ability to combat criminal elements.

“I am heartened not only by SOUTHCOM’s commitment to broadening the scope of work to ensure a safer region but also by the fact that several specific projects were identified for implementation to support Trinidad and Tobago’s security,” Persad-Bissessar wrote, adding that she extended an invitation to General Donovan to visit the country.

She concluded that the meeting was “part of my unwavering fight to ensure all the tools possible are available to my government to crush the criminal elements which threaten our citizens.”