Dr Douglas express concern over potential escalation following US strike on Venezuelan drug ship

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has raised alarms over the recent US military strike on a Venezuelan drug vessel, warning of potential regional tensions. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), emphasized the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining peace amidst escalating military activities. Speaking to Freedom FM’s News Desk, Dr. Douglas disclosed that CARICOM foreign ministers convened last week to address the increased US military presence in Caribbean waters, a move tied to Washington’s broader strategy against terrorism and ‘narco-terrorism.’ The strike, which resulted in 11 fatalities, has drawn mixed reactions across the region. While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar openly supported the operation, Guyana’s stance remains less explicit. Dr. Douglas stressed the Caribbean’s shared concern over illegal arms trafficking and its impact on regional stability. The US Southern Command’s deployment underscores Washington’s focus on curbing drug trafficking, a long-standing issue in the Caribbean. CARICOM plans to reassess the situation soon to evaluate its broader implications for the region.