Why Mexico–T&T relations matter

In the midst of ongoing trade wars, hot wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship with Mexico hints at the promise of a zone of peace or a “Zona de Paz,” as Spanish speakers would say. In an increasingly unstable world, T&T needs as many strong partners as possible.

The United States has moved three Aegis guided-missile destroyers near Venezuela, and Nicolás Maduro has mobilised Venezuela’s militia in response, creating regional tensions. In this tense atmosphere, it is comforting to remember that T&T has good relations with one of Latin America’s economic giants, Mexico.

Mexico stands as the second-largest economy in Latin America, with a GDP of over 1.6 trillion USD, making it a member of the G20. Diplomatically, Mexico operates as a bridge between Latin America and the wider world. Its active participation in organisations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) makes it a valuable ally for T&T. Both nations share common positions on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and the protection of small and vulnerable economies.

In 2024, bilateral trade between Mexico and T&T reached approximately US$376 million. Furthermore, Mexican firms have major interests in T&T businesses such as Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL). Mexican cement giant Cemex owns 70 per cent of TCL. The final stage of the Cemex takeover was reported in the T&T Guardian in 2017 as follows:

“Yesterday’s announcement by Mexican cement giant Cemex that it now controls 70 per cent and counting of TCL, the Claxton Bay-based regional cement producer, is a significant and potentially positive development for T&T.

“The transaction favours TCL’s 6,000 shareholders, as the Cemex bid allows them to cash out of the company at $5.07 per share, which is a 50 per cent premium over the price the local company was trading at before the takeover offer was announced.

“Further, many local investors in TCL may have been encouraged to accept Cemex’s amended offer, because not only was it increased to $5.07 from the initial offer of $4.50, but shareholders were given the option of receiving payment in US dollars at US$0.76 a share. The takeover of TCL by Cemex acknowledges the long-standing relationship between the two companies, as Cemex first purchased a 20 per cent block of shares from the government in 1994, more than 22 years ago.”

Outside the realm of business, Mexico is a major champion of human rights, especially the rights of indigenous peoples and women. The government of Mexico has officially adopted a feminist foreign policy, which has been named one of the three best in the world along with Sweden and Norway.

In line with this feminist foreign policy, there was an event hosted by the Mexican embassy on March 7th, 2025, for International Women’s Day. At this event, the Mexican Embassy recognised two Indigenous Women leaders of Trinidad and Tobago: Jacqueline Bernadine Khan, for her dedication to documenting the history of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community and Anicia Ortancia Benjamin, Cacica of the Warao community.

Mexico has explicit constitutional recognition of Indigenous peoples in Article 2 of its Political Constitution, something that I have advocated for in previous columns. While there is much talk of decolonisation by removing the statue of Columbus, T&T remains years behind Mexico and other countries in recognising the descendants of the first peoples and their right to self-determination.

The new administration of T&T ought to partner more with Mexico and consider constitutional reforms based on the progressive nature of the Mexican constitution when compared to our existing Constitution.

In the midst of the ongoing sabre-rattling between the US and Venezuela, T&T may need to rely even more on Mexico as a partner to advocate for regional peace in forums like the OAS and UN.

It is impossible to predict what sort of action Donald Trump may take against Venezuela in the coming months. Historically, the US invaded Panama in 1989 during Operation Just Cause. Over 27,000 US troops invaded to remove General Manuel Noriega from power. Given the drug trafficking allegations that were levelled against Noriega in the past, and against Nicolás Maduro presently, we can see a hypothetical situation taking place in Venezuela.

If the US does take military action, it would cause major regional instability and flows of refugees into T&T. If such military action does take place, T&T would need to rely on regional partners like Mexico to deal with the consequences.

As nations around the world beat the drums of war, there is hope for T&T to still play sweet steelpan music in harmony with Mexico’s indigenous corrido ballads as we attempt to create a zone of peace, a “Zona de Paz.”