UN security seat at risk – reports say Trinidad and Tobago may have lost Caricom support

Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term faces significant challenges following its controversial alignment with the United States in recent military actions. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Amery Browne has criticized the government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for isolating the nation from its Caribbean counterparts. Regional reports suggest that TT’s endorsement by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) may be revoked due to its support for US military strikes, which resulted in 32 fatalities. Browne expressed concern that Persad-Bissessar’s “isolationist and exceptionalist posture” has tarnished TT’s reputation as a regional leader in diplomacy and consensus-building. He emphasized that TT’s foreign policy, traditionally rooted in neutrality and respect for international law, has been compromised. The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) reported that Caricom leaders are reconsidering TT’s candidacy, citing its departure from regional solidarity. Browne lamented the potential loss of TT’s hard-earned diplomatic legacy, urging the government to restore its standing. Meanwhile, Caricom reiterated its commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace and resolving disputes through dialogue. Efforts to contact current Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers for comment were unsuccessful.