Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley denied claims that Trinidad and Tobago had agreed to allow U.S. military operations against Venezuela. He dismissed a newspaper report suggesting such an agreement, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and asserting Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to regional peace and non-intervention in others’ domestic affairs. \n\n The government engaged in discussions with U.S. officials regarding security and cooperation, rather than military incursions, indicating that any agreements signed were intended for mutual benefit, not military action.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley vehemently refuted claims made by a local newspaper that stated Trinidad and Tobago had entered into an agreement with the United States to utilize its territory for military operations against Venezuela. He emphasized the seriousness of such allegations, asserting that they are unfounded and could significantly impact Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic relations, particularly with Venezuela. “This is a serious matter… if a country is making its territory available for another country to stage military action against that country, that is a serious matter,” he remarked during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.
Rowley criticized the report for lacking factual basis and thorough investigation, arguing it misrepresentation of Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy, which promotes peace and stability in the region. He clarified that discussions held with U.S. officials centered around mutual interests in security, energy, cybersecurity, and human rights, rather than military incursions.
The controversy arose after Newsday reported that National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds signed a series of agreements with the U.S., permitting American military presence in Trinidad and Tobago. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, the agreements, including a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), were established to enhance cooperation between U.S. and Trinidadian armed forces. Although the SOFA aims to facilitate military engagement, Rowley insisted that Trinidad and Tobago does not interfere in the domestic affairs of other nations, particularly in South America.
The relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States has long been characterized by cooperative agreements related to defense and security. Recent discussions between officials of both nations involved critical topics like cybersecurity, human rights, and energy concerns, particularly amidst rising tensions in neighboring Venezuela. The current situation reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic geographical position in relation to Venezuela and highlights the sensitive nature of military agreements within the Caribbean community.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has categorically denied any arrangement that would allow U.S. military operations from Trinidad and Tobago against Venezuela, stressing the country’s commitment to regional peace. The highlighted agreements with the U.S. are intended to enhance cooperative defense measures, rather than provoke regional instability. The government remains firm in its stance of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries, reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s position as a peaceful nation in the Caribbean.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
