PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – General Dan Caine, Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, engaged in high-level discussions with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet on Tuesday. The talks underscored the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations, with a focus on regional security, stability, and combating transnational crime. The US Embassy highlighted that Caine’s visit aimed to strengthen regional unity and address the critical issue of illicit trafficking and criminal organizations. Joint Staff spokesperson Joseph Holstead noted that the discussions centered on challenges such as narcotics, arms, and human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of US-Trinidad cooperation in safeguarding regional security. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described the talks as “excellent,” reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two countries. The visit coincides with increased US military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of a nuclear-powered submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and warships, as part of efforts to counter Latin American drug cartels. However, this military buildup has drawn criticism, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemning US airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels as violations of international law. The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin urged Venezuela and the US to prioritize diplomacy over conflict, emphasizing the need for peace in the hemisphere. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of seeking regime change through military threats and criticized Trinidad and Tobago for allegedly supporting US plans.