PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad and Tobago Government has reaffirmed its support for the United States’ (US) mission “aimed at dismantling all elements which facilitate transnational crime in the Americas”.

In a statement to the extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held virtually, Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sean Sobers, said Port of Spain had taken note of the official statement issued by the US on January 3, 2025, “regarding the highly sophisticated military operations conducted within the territory of Venezuela”.

“While Trinidad and Tobago was not a participant in the military operations, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago maintains its strong partnership and fraternal relations with both the people of Venezuela and the United States,” Sobers said.

CELAC is a regional bloc of 33 countries in the Americas formed to foster political, economic and cultural integration, acting as a unified voice for the region, promoting dialogue and seeking greater autonomy from external influences.

It provides a platform for cooperation on issues like development, environment, health, and global negotiations, uniting all nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called on CELAC to speak out against the United States’ military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores last Saturday.

Gil described the US actions as a “cowardly and criminal military aggression” that resulted in civilian and military casualties and urged CELAC to take a firm stand, restore international legality and guarantee regional stability.

The US has accused Maduro of alleged narco-terrorism and other criminal acts. Gil warned that Venezuela “remains under siege” and that CELAC must act decisively to protect sovereignty and international law.

In his statement, the Trinidad and Tobago foreign affairs minister said that the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration wanted to “reaffirm and underscore its commitment to the United States mission aimed at dismantling all elements which facilitate transnational crime in the Americas”.

“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to maintaining a constructive and respectful relationship with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.

“In this regard, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to working with all like-minded nations to achieve a safer, more prosperous and stable Americas,” Sobers said.