Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has issued a stark warning about Trinidad and Tobago’s precarious position on the global stage, citing economic and security vulnerabilities stemming from what he termed reckless governance and poorly informed decisions. Speaking via Facebook Live on November 17, Rowley criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent dismissal of Venezuela’s gas supply as a “throwaway comment” with severe implications for the nation’s energy security. Persad-Bissessar’s remarks came in response to Venezuela’s proposal to suspend gas agreements with Trinidad and Tobago on October 27. Rowley emphasized the country’s heavy reliance on natural gas, which powers homes, industries, and factories, and warned of a looming crisis if reserves are mismanaged. He highlighted a decline in gas production and consumption, with daily usage dropping from 4.3 billion cubic feet to 2.6 billion cubic feet, and possibly lower. Rowley stressed the need for additional gas reserves to sustain current levels, lamenting the disruption of efforts to secure future energy supplies through the La Brea-Manatee and Venezuelan-owned Dragon fields. Turning to foreign affairs, Rowley recalled the geopolitical challenges of 2015, when sanctions against Venezuela coincided with Trinidad and Tobago’s energy vulnerabilities. He underscored the importance of safeguarding national interests while maintaining neutrality, citing Caricom’s role in defending regional sovereignty. Rowley accused the current government of recklessness, inaction, and indifference to international law, particularly in its handling of US military operations in the region. He expressed concern over domestic security issues, including extrajudicial killings by police and inconsistent advisories for fishermen. Rowley also questioned the government’s alignment with US military objectives, warning that such actions could undermine decades of foreign policy and expose the nation to significant risk. He called for transparency and accountability, urging the government to clarify measures in place to protect the country in the event of conflict. Rowley concluded with a plea for careful and informed foreign policy, emphasizing the need for leadership and transparency to safeguard Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty and future.