In a recent letter to the editor, Arthur Dash expressed his bewilderment over the small yet highly publicized demonstrations calling for ‘peace’ in the region. Dash emphasized that neither Trinidad and Tobago (TT) nor the United States is at war with Venezuela. Instead, the U.S. administration has declared a ‘non-international armed conflict against drug cartels,’ a crucial distinction that highlights the campaign against criminal networks responsible for flooding the region with cocaine, guns, and violence.
Dash questioned the motives of the protesters, asking if they were advocating for peace with drug cartels, the actual adversaries in this conflict. He criticized the opposition, its supporters, and certain media outlets for misleading the public into believing that TT is involved in a regime change operation, a claim both the U.S. and TT have repeatedly denied.
He pointed out that pro-Nicolás Maduro elements, both domestically and internationally, are spreading fear and confusion by falsely suggesting that TT is being dragged into a war with Venezuela. Dash highlighted the hypocrisy of the demonstrators, noting their silence when Venezuelan gunboats harass TT fishermen, when Venezuelan officials claim two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, and when they insult TT’s Prime Minister and threaten invasion or retaliation.
Dash concluded by affirming his support for the TT government, which he believes is on the right side of the fight—the side of law, order, and safety for its citizens. He reiterated the desire for peace but stressed that it should not come at the cost of aligning with drug cartels that have brought violence and destruction to the region.