PNM Tobago urges Barbados PM to speak with Persad-Bissessar

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean, PNM Tobago leader Ancil Dennis has called on Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to engage in dialogue with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urging for “cool heads” to prevail. Dennis likened the current conflict involving the US, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago to a game of all-fours, cautioning that while Persad-Bissessar may feel empowered, the situation remains unpredictable. His appeal follows Venezuela’s accusation that Trinidad and Tobago is collaborating with the CIA, a claim that arose after the USS Gravely, a US warship, arrived in Trinidad for a five-day military exercise with the TT Defence Force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the visit, stating it aims to combat transnational crime and enhance security cooperation. Dennis emphasized the Caribbean’s historical commitment to peace, rooted in its struggles against colonization and its dedication to sovereignty and non-interference. He highlighted the region’s preference for cultural and sporting rivalries over militarized conflicts, warning against the dangers of being drawn into external wars. Dennis urged Mottley to remind Persad-Bissessar of the Caribbean’s values, advocating for diplomacy and creative solutions to regional challenges. He concluded with a call for unity, stressing that the Caribbean’s strength lies in its ability to prioritize peace over conflict.