Caricom Unreliable Partner
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago no longer considers Caricom a reliable partner and will realign its foreign policy toward non-regional allies to tackle drug trafficking and violent crime. Her stance, including support for US military efforts in Caribbean waters, contrasts sharply with other Caricom members that have called for the region to remain a 'Zone of Peace.'
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has declared that her government no longer regards the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as a reliable partner and plans a significant realignment of foreign policy over the next couple of years. Speaking in response to questions from the Express, Persad-Bissessar said the changes are necessary "for improving our economic and physical security" as her administration backs what the United States says are efforts to combat drug cartels.
She has supported US deployments to the region that include nearly a dozen warships, fighter jets, supersonic bombers, a submarine and the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald Ford, being ordered to waters near Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar’s position contrasts with other Caricom governments that have called for the Caribbean to remain a "Zone of Peace" and voiced concern about the increased US military presence.
On October 18, Caricom issued a communiqué urging dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes; Trinidad and Tobago reserved its position and did not sign onto the statement. The Prime Minister said some member states interpret "zone of peace" differently and argued that Trinidad and Tobago cannot claim that status. "Maybe there is a zone of peace in some of those other Caricom neighbours because they are further North.
We are the closest here to the mainland and... we are being hit—I think really seriously hit—with the drug trafficking, the gangs, the cartels, the gunrunning," she said, pointing to high levels of violent crime, including as many as 600 murders in a year. Persad-Bissessar said T&T will seek new partners outside the region for trade, investment and security while maintaining cordial relations with Caricom colleagues.
She reiterated that the lives and livelihoods of Trinidad and Tobago citizens are her top priority and noted ongoing relief arrangements for Jamaica. Her remarks also touched on regional divisions over Venezuela. Several Caricom members participated in a meeting with ALBA-TCP in August expressing support for President Nicolás Maduro, a stance Persad-Bissessar criticised by saying some in the region had "chosen Venezuela over Trinidad." What this means for the British Virgin Islands: shifts in Trinidad and Tobago’s alliances could affect regional security cooperation on drug interdiction, maritime patrols, intelligence sharing and disaster-response logistics.
Increased US naval activity and changing Caricom dynamics may alter operational patterns in Caribbean waters, with potential spillover effects on trafficking routes, migration pressures and regional diplomatic initiatives. For BVI residents, continued attention to coordination between regional authorities and external partners will be important for maintaining public safety and resilience.
Primary source: VINO