In a striking intervention into regional geopolitics, former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has issued a forceful call for national defense strengthening while offering a robust defense of United States positioning in escalating tensions with Venezuela.
The retired official, who previously served as both National Security Minister and security advisor, delivered his assessment through a December 19th Facebook video address. Griffith framed the current situation as one where Venezuela, unable to directly confront the United States, is instead targeting smaller neighboring nations like Trinidad and Tobago through intimidation tactics.
‘Let’s be unequivocal: Trinidad and Tobago has not threatened Venezuela. The United States has,’ stated Griffith, drawing an analogy to boxing weight classes. ‘This represents the geopolitical equivalent of a heavyweight boxer striking a middleweight, and that middleweight, too intimidated to respond to the heavyweight, subsequently turns to threaten a lightweight who never attacked him.’
Griffith systematically addressed several claims advanced by Venezuelan officials, including allegations that Trinidad serves as a operational base for destabilizing Venezuela, facilitates U.S. military activities, and participated in the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. He contextualized these developments within historical patterns, noting that territorial claims frequently precede concrete actions.
The former security chief referenced Venezuela’s previous declaration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata and termination of bilateral gas agreements as evidence of escalating tensions. He characterized Venezuela’s recent warning to Trinidad regarding potential U.S. actions as ‘perhaps the most reckless statement yet.’
Griffith advocated for immediate high-level diplomatic engagement with the United States explicitly focused on safeguarding Trinidad’s security interests. His recommendations encompassed substantial military enhancements including helicopter acquisitions for the Air Guard, armed and surveillance drone capabilities, and modernization of Coast Guard vessels allegedly neglected by previous administrations.
The proposed defense package additionally includes surface-to-air missile systems, establishment of a national operational war room, and support for expanded defense force recruitment. Griffith emphasized the necessity of strategic planning to manage illegal immigration flows while warning that delayed action could prove catastrophic.
He concluded with an urgent appeal for national unity, asserting that without United States support, Trinidad would face severe limitations in defending itself against potential aggression.