In a definitive statement addressing the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has explicitly declared her nation’s non-involvement in the proposed American blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. The political leader emphasized that her country’s sovereign interests would guide its decisions rather than external pressures.
The declaration follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s Tuesday announcement authorizing a naval blockade against Venezuela, alleging President Nicolás Maduro’s administration utilizes oil revenues to fund narcotics trafficking and criminal operations. Venezuela has vehemently condemned these measures as an act of ‘resource theft’ and imperialistic aggression, accusing Washington of attempting to commandeer its national assets.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar clarified that while Trinidad and Tobago maintains security cooperation with the United States, this partnership focuses exclusively on domestic crime prevention rather than international interventions. ‘My primary responsibility lies with Trinidad and Tobago’s welfare,’ she stated. ‘The United States may pursue its strategic interests, just as we will pursue ours.’
The Prime Minister highlighted significant improvements in national security, citing a substantial reduction of 240 homicides compared to the previous year and drug interdictions exceeding $200 million in value. Regarding Venezuela’s termination of gas agreements with Trinidad, Persad-Bissessar noted the nation’s energy independence, emphasizing expanded domestic oilfield operations and ongoing collaborations with international energy firms. ‘While Venezuelan resources would be welcome, they are not essential to our economy,’ she asserted. ‘We have over a century of oil and gas production without relying on Venezuelan crude.’
This development occurs against the backdrop of Caracas’ October suspension of gas agreements, culminating in Monday’s official termination of all energy contracts and negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago.