Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General John Jeremie has publicly affirmed that recent US Navy operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels from Venezuela align with international legal standards. This conclusion was reached following consultation with an independent international legal expert outside his office.
During a January 14 press briefing at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, Jeremie revealed he had sought external legal counsel before forming his official position. “My initial assessment, supported by expert advice, indicates these military actions were consistent with international law,” Jeremie stated. “This determination was based on guidance from a qualified international legal authority.”
The Attorney General maintained confidentiality regarding the identity of the legal expert and declined to discuss specific details of the advice received, explaining that such disclosure would require revealing privileged information.
When questioned about potential Trinidadian casualties resulting from the operations, Jeremie responded that he possessed no substantiated information confirming any citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were killed in the strikes. “As of now, I have no evidence suggesting any TT national perished in these military actions,” he emphasized.
Regarding whether the operations adhered to international due process standards, Jeremie refrained from detailed commentary, citing the confidential nature of the legal guidance he received. “My responsibility has been fulfilled by ensuring the republic operates in accordance with established legal frameworks,” he noted.
Jeremie confirmed he had communicated his assessment to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar but offered no additional details regarding these communications.
The press conference also addressed questions concerning potential US military operations originating from Trinidadian territory, including possible involvement in the reported January 3 capture attempt of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Jeremie provided no commentary on these matters.
While acknowledging the presence of US military personnel in Trinidad, Jeremie clarified their activities were unrelated to the naval operations. “We hosted marine personnel engaged in school visits and joint training exercises with our Defence Force,” he explained, characterizing these as “intense training exercises” that were publicly acknowledged.
Jeremie referenced official statements from both the Ministry of Homeland Security and Ministry of Defence issued on the day of the strikes, which explicitly denied Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in the US military operations.