Trinidad doubles down in defence of US military presence in region
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday reiterated its position on why it is standing apart from its Caribbean Community (Caricom) neighbours in declining to back a regional position on key security and regional stability issues, including the growing presence of the United States military in the region.
In a statement, the country’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government “wishes to once more, categorically express its strong support for the ongoing military intervention of the United States of America in the region.
“These operations aimed at combating narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true “Zone of Peace” where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment,” the statement said.
On Saturday, the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said that Caricom leaders had met to discuss several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.
It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of the twin-island republic.
In its statement on Sunday, Port of Spain said that the Trinidad and Tobago government “affirms that these operations are not meant to target law-abiding persons, specifically fisherfolk and other seafaring individuals seeking to earn an honest living.
“Alternatively, all persons who may seek to engage in, or indirectly support, any illegal activities in the region, are warned that should they be so inclined, they do so at their own peril.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its commitment to the people of the Caribbean for the creation of a safer, stronger and more prosperous region,” the statement added.
