分类： politics

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has launched a scathing critique against Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accusing her government of undermining its sovereignty by hosting a US military force. Speaking on his weekly television program, *Con Maduro*, on November 18, Maduro claimed that Persad-Bissessar had ‘mortgaged’ the nation’s sea and territory to accommodate a foreign military presence just 15 kilometers from Venezuela’s coast. He argued that this decision threatens regional stability and disrupts the historical brotherhood between the two nations. Maduro specifically referenced the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which has been conducting joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force since late October. This marks the unit’s second deployment to the region in less than a month. Maduro warned that such actions represent a ‘false step against peace’ and violate the shared history of the Caribbean. He further asserted that the people of Trinidad and Tobago, including their military, oppose the militarization of their territory and the perceived threats against Venezuela. Meanwhile, Persad-Bissessar defended the US presence, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it has contributed to reducing gun, drug, and human trafficking in the region. The US Southern Command has justified its military activities as part of efforts to combat narco-terrorism, with at least 21 strikes carried out in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September. However, the Venezuelan government views this as a covert attempt to destabilize its regime. Amid escalating tensions, former US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to engage in discussions with Maduro following a request from Venezuela’s administration.

President Christine Kangaloo has introduced a significant amendment to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, aimed at clarifying the scope of police authority during investigations under emergency conditions. The sixth amendment, officially gazetted on November 17, explicitly states that law enforcement officers are empowered to prosecute individuals for any offences uncovered while lawfully exercising emergency powers. This amendment, effective retroactively from July 18—the date the state of emergency was declared—ensures that evidence of crimes discovered during the enforcement of emergency regulations is subject to punishment under existing laws. The update, designated as Regulation 20A, does not provide immunity to offenders but reinforces the legal framework for police actions during emergencies. This development follows legal challenges from a murder suspect detained under the regulations, who threatened to seek judicial review, alleging unlawful detention. The suspect’s legal team argued that the extension of detention under Regulation 13(3) was unjustified, as the initial arrest was not explicitly made under emergency powers. In response, the police defended their actions, citing the discovery of prohibited ammunition during a search and asserting that the detention was lawful under the regulations. The police emphasized the necessity of continued detention for public safety, given the suspect’s alleged ties to criminal elements.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signaled his readiness to engage in direct talks with US government representatives, even as tensions between the two nations intensify. This development follows the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Caribbean, a move widely interpreted as a show of force by the United States. Maduro’s announcement came during his television program, Con Maduro, on November 17, shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed openness to dialogue with the Venezuelan leader. Maduro emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, ‘Those who want to speak with Venezuela will speak – face-to-face.’ He further underscored the need for mutual understanding through dialogue, citing the principles of the UN Charter and Venezuela’s Constitution. The US State Department, meanwhile, has announced its intention to designate the Venezuelan drug trafficking group, Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), with the designation set to take effect on November 24. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading the cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro has repeatedly addressed the US public directly in recent appearances, advocating for peace and dialogue. The USS Gerald R Ford strike group’s arrival adds to the US military presence in the region, which includes the nuclear attack submarine USS Newport News and members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is currently conducting joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Force as part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating narcoterrorism in the Western Hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported the US military deployment, framing it as an anti-narcotics initiative, while also asserting her country’s sovereignty and neutrality in the US-Venezuela conflict.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has firmly denied claims that the United States has sought to use the country’s territory to launch attacks against Venezuela. Addressing concerns raised by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago would not permit its land to be used for such purposes. Rowley had warned of potential economic and security risks stemming from what he termed reckless governance and ill-informed decisions by the current administration. Persad-Bissessar dismissed these concerns, asserting that Rowley’s remarks were unfounded and that he had every democratic right to express his views. She highlighted that Rowley, during his tenure, had signed an updated Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the US in 2024, which mandates cooperation with the US military in regional training exercises. However, she reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago remains a sovereign state, guided by a ‘TT first’ foreign policy approach, and does not blindly align with the US or any bloc, including Caricom. Persad-Bissessar underscored the country’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with Venezuela and its refusal to engage in actions that could harm the Venezuelan people. She also affirmed her government’s support for leaders elected through free and fair democratic processes and reassured citizens that neither they nor national infrastructure were at risk due to any involvement in aggression against Venezuela.

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro remained tight-lipped regarding the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s (TTPS) involvement in joint training exercises with the US military’s 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Speaking at the passing-out parade for 126 new police officers at the Police Training Academy in St James on November 17, Guevarro emphasized the strategic nature of such collaborations, stating it would be unwise to disclose specific details publicly.

US President Donald Trump has hinted at possible discussions with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, marking a potential shift in the strained relations between the two nations. Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach International Airport on November 16, Trump stated, ‘Let’s see how that turns out. They would like to talk.’ However, he remained noncommittal about Maduro’s future as Venezuela’s leader, citing the significant damage Maduro has caused to the US, particularly through drug-related issues and the release of prisoners into the country. Trump emphasized that the situation is complex and that further decisions would be made in due course. This announcement came shortly after the US Department of State declared its intention to designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, effective November 24. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the US would continue to employ all available tools to safeguard national security and disrupt funding to narco-terrorists. Trump acknowledged that the designation could enable the US to target Maduro’s assets but clarified that no definitive actions have been decided. The backdrop to these developments includes a reported offer from Maduro’s administration to grant the US a dominant stake in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, as revealed by The New York Times on October 10. Meanwhile, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has launched Operation Southern Spear, aimed at dismantling drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere. The US has also increased the bounty for Maduro’s arrest from $15 million to $50 million. Recent US military actions in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea have resulted in at least 83 deaths, further straining relations between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Venezuela has accused TT of collaborating with the US, a claim vehemently denied by TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has expressed strong support for US efforts to curb illegal weapons and drugs. In response, Venezuela has suspended energy deals with TT and declared Persad-Bissessar persona non grata.