A contingent of 108 United States military personnel formally concluded their four-month security deployment in Tobago yesterday morning, departing from ANR Robinson International Airport aboard an Atlas Air aircraft. The departure marks the end of a controversial security cooperation initiative between the US and Trinidad and Tobago governments that began in November last year.
The exit follows last week’s dismantling of the advanced Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system that had been operational since late November. Military personnel departed in full uniform, with some offering farewell gestures as they boarded the aircraft.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge expressed gratitude for the cooperation, stating, “We are thankful for their assistance and support and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
However, the presence of foreign troops sparked significant political opposition in Tobago. Ancil Dennis, political leader of the Tobago Council of the People’s National Movement, accused the government of misleading citizens about the mission’s true nature and potentially exposing the nation to security risks. “The fact that it has been removed already shows us clearly that we were lied to and misled and our lives were placed at risk,” Dennis asserted.
Dennis further contextualized the deployment within regional geopolitics, noting Trinidad and Tobago’s fortunate avoidance of potential conflict spillover from neighboring Venezuela. He emphasized the nation’s narrow escape from becoming entangled in international military tensions similar to current Middle East conflicts.
Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus of the Innovative Democratic Alliance welcomed the departure as “a great relief” and closure to a concerning chapter in Tobago’s history. While acknowledging some minimal economic benefits through troop spending at local businesses, she emphasized the importance of stabilizing Tobago’s tourism industry, which continues to face challenges due to ongoing travel advisories from the US Embassy.
The logistical withdrawal process commenced last Tuesday when US military aircraft GROG71 arrived to transport the dismantled radar system off the island, setting the stage for yesterday’s final troop departure.