In a recent appearance on the Crime Watch television show hosted by Ian Alleyne on October 27, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed her dissatisfaction with Caricom, labeling it as an unreliable partner. She accused the regional organization of siding with Venezuela over its own member state, Trinidad and Tobago. Her remarks came shortly after Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Venezuela would not collaborate with Trinidad and Tobago on any energy projects. Rodriguez had previously criticized Trinidad and Tobago for what she described as an act of aggression—the docking of the US destroyer USS Gravely at the Port of Spain. The vessel is part of a US anti-narcotics fleet currently stationed in the Southern Caribbean, which some analysts speculate could be aimed at influencing regime change in Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar countered by asserting that Trinidad and Tobago does not depend on Venezuelan gas, highlighting alternative projects in both energy and non-energy sectors. Additionally, she announced that the House of Representatives would convene on October 31 to vote on extending the current state of emergency (SoE), initially declared on July 18 and extended on July 28 for three months. The SoE was prompted by allegations of criminal gangs plotting to overthrow the government. Meanwhile, former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne criticized Persad-Bissessar, accusing her of isolating Trinidad and Tobago from Caricom and rejecting the concept of a zone of peace. Browne emphasized the importance of unity within Caricom, stating, ‘The truth about TT and Caricom is that we are always stronger together.’
Kamla: Caricom chose Venezuela over Trinidad and Tobago, not a reliable partner
