Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has launched a remarkable diplomatic offensive against the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), publicly disassociating her nation from the regional body’s collective statement regarding recent U.S. travel restrictions. In a striking declaration, she characterized CARICOM as “currently not a reliable partner.
The controversy stems from the United States’ December 16 implementation of partial travel restrictions targeting citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. These measures primarily address security concerns surrounding Citizenship by Investment programs operated by these nations. In her Saturday media address, Persad-Bissessar explicitly stated that Trinidad and Tobago declined endorsement of CARICOM’s official expression of concern regarding American policy.
The Prime Minister offered a robust defense of Washington’s position, asserting that sovereign nations must accept consequences for their policy decisions. She maintained that the U.S. response represents a measured reaction to risk management deficiencies within the investment citizenship programs of affected countries.
Persad-Bissessar escalated her criticism to include fundamental structural issues within CARICOM, citing poor governance mechanisms, inadequate accountability protocols, internal divisions, and inappropriate interference in member states’ domestic affairs. She further identified CARICOM’s support for Venezuela’s Maduro regime—accused of human rights violations and regional aggression—as significantly undermining the organization’s credibility.
Emphasizing national sovereignty, the Prime Minister declared that Trinidad and Tobago would prioritize its independent interests above regional consensus. “CARICOM does not determine our nation’s future. That choice belongs to our citizens,” she stated, framing the debate as a fundamental matter of self-determination.
The statements have ignited intense domestic debate. Former Prime Minister Stuart Young accused Persad-Bissessar of damaging CARICOM relations and undermining ties with the United States, characterizing her approach as “alarming” and “reckless.” Former Foreign Minister Amery Browne similarly criticized the Prime Minister’s rhetoric as evading political responsibility through confrontational public statements.
Despite mounting criticism, Persad-Bissessar maintained her position, affirming Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to an independent foreign policy distinct from CARICOM’s political, security, and economic directives. She reiterated that American measures resulted from individual national choices and called for comprehensive reassessment of CARICOM’s effectiveness as a regional institution.