Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has denied claims that Trinidad and Tobago signed an agreement for U.S. military deployment related to potential conflict in Venezuela. He condemned the misleading report and emphasized the country’s policy of neutrality, stressing that Trinidad and Tobago maintains its commitment to peace in the Caribbean. Recent agreements focus on security cooperation, not military actions against Venezuela.
In response to a newspaper report alleging an agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States for military deployment in the case of a conflict in Venezuela, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley denied such claims in a news conference. He expressed concern over the potential ramifications of the misinformation and emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago does not permit the use of its territory for military actions against foreign nations. Rowley clarified that two agreements signed on December 10, 2023, related to security cooperation and military engagement, do not imply availability of Trinidadian territory for U.S. military actions. The leader reiterated that the country upholds a policy of neutrality and peace within the Caribbean, stressing the importance of being cautious about how such information is perceived, particularly by neighboring nations such as Venezuela.
Trinidad and Tobago’s government has been engaged in discussions with the United States regarding regional security and cooperation, particularly in relation to unrest in Venezuela. Despite recent agreements that facilitate military cooperation, the prime minister emphasized the country’s stance against interference in the internal affairs of other nations. The discussions are rooted in broader collaborative efforts among Caribbean countries to address transnational crime and natural disasters, and have also involved previous agreements that enhance military operational compatibility between Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley firmly rejected the notion that Trinidad and Tobago had consented to U.S. military operations from its territory, advocating for peace and stability in the region. The recent agreements with the U.S. were aimed at enhancing security cooperation, not facilitating military incursions. Rowley’s comments underline the importance of responsible journalism, especially regarding sensitive international relations that could have significant consequences for national interests and regional stability.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
