Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) remains resolute in the face of Venezuela’s proposal to suspend all gas agreements between the two nations. Speaking to Newsday via WhatsApp on October 27, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that TT’s economic future does not hinge on Venezuela, citing robust plans to diversify the economy across energy and non-energy sectors. She dismissed concerns over Venezuela’s actions, stating, “We are not susceptible to any blackmail from the Venezuelans for political support.”
Persad-Bissessar also addressed the ongoing fight against drug cartels, vowing that no external entity, including Venezuela, the opposition PNM party, or Caricom, would pressure her government into retreating. She expressed frustration over gang violence fueled by illegal drugs and arms trafficking, which has terrorized TT citizens. Despite these tensions, she reaffirmed that TT maintains peaceful relations with Venezuela.
The proposed suspension of gas agreements was announced by Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez via state media Telesur. Rodríguez cited “hostile and aggressive actions” by TT, including alignment with the US’s “warrior agenda,” as reasons for the move. She referenced a recent incident involving a group allegedly linked to the CIA, accusing TT of enabling a “false-flag operation” to frame Venezuela. Rodríguez asserted that suspending the agreements was necessary to protect Venezuelan sovereignty.
TT’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs dismissed Rodríguez’s allegations as unfounded, clarifying that the presence of the USS Gravely, an American destroyer, in TT waters was part of a routine joint training exercise with the TT Defence Force. The ministry emphasized that the visit was consistent with longstanding regional security partnerships and denied any provocation.
Political analyst Dr. Anthony Gonzales warned that unresolved tensions could escalate, urging TT to engage in proactive diplomacy to reassure Venezuela. He stressed the importance of avoiding involvement in the geopolitical struggle between the US and Venezuela, recommending dialogue to diffuse the situation. Former foreign affairs minister Winston Dookeran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of diplomacy.
Historically, TT and Venezuela have maintained a complex relationship centered on energy cooperation, with multiple gas agreements and joint projects. However, the current tensions highlight the fragility of this partnership amid broader geopolitical pressures.