ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has issued a stern critique of recent geopolitical developments in Venezuela, asserting that military interventions have exacerbated regional instability rather than resolving conflicts. Speaking on the Grenada Broadcasting Network’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’ program, Mitchell emphasized that sustainable resolutions can only emerge through diplomatic engagement and mutual compromise.
The Prime Minister, a practicing attorney, articulated his government’s firm stance on respecting international norms and the sovereignty of all Western Hemisphere nations. His comments appeared directed at Washington’s recent actions in Venezuela, though he carefully avoided explicit confrontation. When questioned about the United States’ declaration to ‘run’ Venezuela following President Nicolás Maduro’s capture, Mitchell responded with diplomatic circumspection: ‘A country runs its own country. The only way you can run another country is if that territory belongs to that country or is its colony.’
Simultaneously, Mitchell revealed ongoing discussions with the United States regarding a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning third-country nationals. This initiative forms part of Washington’s broader strategy to relocate asylum processing away from American soil. While acknowledging receipt of detailed proposal documents, Mitchell clarified that Grenada has not committed to any agreement. The arrangement would involve Grenada potentially hosting deportees on a case-by-case basis when the United States cannot repatriate them to their countries of origin.
The Prime Minister confirmed that technical officers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have engaged with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Embassy, but stressed that ‘to date we have not agreed to accept.’ Mitchell declined to disclose specifics about Grenada’s counter-proposal, citing national security considerations.
These developments follow the US military’s incursion into Venezuelan territory over the weekend, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan leader and his wife appeared in a Federal Court in New York on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges involving alleged collaboration with drug cartels to facilitate cocaine shipments into the United States. The case has been adjourned until March 17, with defendants facing potential life imprisonment if convicted.