Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has denied reports that the government authorized US military deployment in Trinidad in response to a Venezuelan conflict, calling the claims unfounded. He emphasized the potential diplomatic ramifications and reaffirmed the nation’s non-interventionist policy. The US and Trinidad have been discussing security cooperation, but Rowley insists on the importance of peace and sovereignty in regional affairs.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has officially refuted claims made in a recent newspaper article stating that the government had granted the United States permission to deploy military forces on its territory in the case of a conflict in Venezuela. Addressing the media, Rowley emphasized the grave implications of such a story, declaring it unfounded and misleading. He asked, “Where did you get it from that we are in a position to make Trinidad and Tobago available to the United States for troops against Venezuela?” meaning that such a decision about military actions would be profoundly irresponsible and misleading.
Rowley’s comments follow a report from Newsday which claimed that Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds had signed agreements with the US enabling potential troop deployment for intervention in Venezuela. The Prime Minister dismissed these claims, stating that they could jeopardize the diplomatic discussions Trinidad engages in with Venezuela and harm the nation’s standing as a peacekeeper in the region.
The US Embassy in Trinidad confirmed a meeting with several government officials regarding various issues, including security and energy, and noted progress on a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). However, Rowley reiterated that the nation does not support any military actions against neighboring countries and cannot facilitate incursions into Venezuela.
He expressed his concern regarding the article’s consequences on Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation, indicating that false narratives could destabilize regional relations, especially within CARICOM (Caribbean Community). The Prime Minister concluded with an assurance of the nation’s ongoing commitment to peace, stating, “We will not facilitate any such thing and our actions speak louder than our words on this matter.”
Amid increasing tensions in the region, the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States has been scrutinized, especially concerning military actions related to Venezuela. The Prime Minister’s declaration comes at a time when military cooperation discussions are ongoing between the US and Caribbean nations. The recent meeting between local leaders and US military officials aimed to discuss not only security and human rights but also the implications of potential military agreements. However, inherent in this context is Trinidad’s longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal matters of neighboring countries, raising significant concerns regarding sovereignty and peace within the region.
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has publicly refuted any claims that Trinidad and Tobago has agreed to allow the United States to deploy troops in the event of a conflict in Venezuela. He insists that such misinformation poses a serious risk to the nation’s diplomatic relations and regional stability. Furthermore, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Trinidad’s commitment to peace and its non-interventionist stance in regional conflicts, aiming to maintain security and cooperation among Caribbean nations.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
