Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley dismissed reports of an agreement allowing U.S. military operations in Trinidad and Tobago regarding Venezuela. He stressed that such claims threaten diplomatic relations and emphasized Trinidad’s stance as a peacekeeping nation despite ongoing defense agreements with the U.S. and regional security efforts.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has firmly denied allegations made in a local newspaper suggesting that his government authorized the United States to deploy military forces to the twin-island nation in the event of conflict in Venezuela. In a press conference, Dr. Rowley expressed concern about the implications of such claims and emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago does not provide its territory for military incursions. He criticized the reported claims, stating they lack factual basis and responsible research. The Prime Minister called the situation serious, urging that such actions could negatively affect diplomatic relations, particularly with Venezuela, where Trinidad and Tobago has ongoing negotiations on various matters. On December 10, a statement was released confirming that several defense agreements, including a Status of Forces Agreement with the U.S., were signed, supporting military collaboration but maintaining that Trinidad’s position as a peacekeeping nation remains unchanged.
This discourse was prompted by a recent article from Newsday, which hinted at an alleged agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States regarding military cooperation under potential conflict scenarios involving Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing policy has been one of neutrality and peacekeeping in regional affairs. Recent discussions among Caribbean defense leaders and high-level meetings with U.S. officials, including the negotiation of a new Status of Forces Agreement, which updates the previous military cooperation framework, have drawn scrutiny due to escalating tensions in Venezuela. This context underscores the sensitivity surrounding national security and foreign relations in the region.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Rowley has categorically rejected claims of Trinidad and Tobago’s complicity in any military actions by the U.S. against Venezuela. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining the country’s reputation as a zone of peace, emphasizing that while security collaborations with the U.S. are vital, they should not be misconstrued as preparations for military aggression. Understanding the delicate nature of Caribbean geopolitics, Dr. Rowley urged the media to exercise responsibility in reporting, acknowledging the potentially detrimental consequences of misinformation.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
