Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago showcased her diplomatic finesse during a high-profile meeting with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 25. The encounter, marked by warm smiles and symbolic gestures, underscored the growing alliance between the two nations. While the specifics of their two-hour discussion remain undisclosed, the optics of the meeting conveyed a clear message of mutual collaboration and strategic alignment. This visit followed Persad-Bissessar’s earlier engagement with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 30, where discussions centered on the revival of the Dragon gas project. For General Caine, the stopover in Trinidad and Tobago served as a subtle yet pointed signal to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, emphasizing the US’s presence in the region. The official statement from the US Embassy highlighted shared objectives in combating illicit activities, though the language left room for interpretation. Notably, General Caine’s appointment by President Trump earlier this year broke from traditional military protocols, adding an air of intrigue to his role. Amid ongoing debates about the legality of US military operations, Persad-Bissessar’s enthusiastic embrace of this diplomatic engagement reflects her strategic positioning on the global stage.