Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne has sharply criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government for allegedly abandoning its long-standing foreign policy positions in favor of mimicking those of another country, widely believed to be the United States. Speaking at a briefing hosted by Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles on November 4, Browne began by referencing a UN spokesman’s condemnation of the US military’s recent destruction of several alleged drug boats, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 60 people. The UN labeled this action a violation of international human rights principles. Browne described the government’s foreign policy as ‘inauthentic and unrepresentative,’ accusing it of merely adopting narratives and talking points from external sources. He emphasized TT’s geographical proximity to Venezuela, stating that this permanent reality necessitates prudent, wise, and sustainable management of bilateral relations. Browne also questioned Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent characterization of Venezuelan ambassador Alvaro Sanchez Cordero as ‘my good friend,’ despite the government’s alleged support for regime change in Caracas. He further criticized the government for accusing the opposition of having a ‘narco agenda,’ referencing a 2013 incident where police found marijuana outside former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s residence, though no culpability was established. Browne also highlighted concerns raised by the Antilles Episcopalian Conference and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain regarding the US military buildup in the Caribbean and the normalization of conflict. He lamented the government’s lack of an independent foreign policy and its alleged endorsement of extrajudicial killings, including a minister’s threat to use nuclear weapons against Venezuela. Browne concluded by criticizing the government for not issuing its own statement congratulating Bolivia’s new president, instead co-signing a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He warned against the dangers of war, particularly for small states like TT, and reminded leaders of the consequences faced by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now before the International Criminal Court for alleged drug war-related murders.