The government of Trinidad and Tobago has moved to quell rising public anxiety sparked by unverified reports suggesting an imminent shift in the national and regional security landscape. In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs clarified that the United States has dismissed claims of an impending military action in Venezuela, emphasizing that any policy announcements would come directly from President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers is actively engaging with the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, and the government has assured citizens there is no cause for concern. The U.S. Southern Command is reportedly focused on aiding Jamaica’s disaster recovery efforts, not on military operations in the region. The Trinidad and Tobago government pledged to promptly inform the public of any developments that might affect the country’s security. This statement coincides with ongoing parliamentary debates over extending the state of emergency by three months. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm whether the military had been placed on high alert, citing public interest concerns. Local media reports had earlier suggested that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force was on heightened alert due to rumors of a potential U.S. military strike on Venezuela. An internal military message instructed all personnel to report to their bases by October 31, fueling widespread speculation. The U.S. has been increasing its military presence near Venezuela, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, a claim Venezuela denies, accusing the U.S. of threatening regional peace. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto recently condemned the U.S. for its “illegal and immoral military threat” at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, CARICOM leaders recently convened to discuss regional security concerns, though Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the meeting’s conclusions.
Trinidad gov’t urges ‘calm’ amid reports of US military action
