Trinidad and Tobago Supports U.S. Military Presence in Caribbean to Combat Cartels
August 25, 2025 – The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has voiced its full support for the presence of United States military assets in the Caribbean, calling it a necessary measure to combat the rise of violent drug cartels and transnational crime impacting the region.
In a statement this week, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stressed that small island nations like Trinidad and Tobago do not have the resources to confront organized criminal networks alone. She described the U.S. military’s presence as a welcome form of international cooperation in tackling gang violence, illegal arms trafficking, and drug smuggling.
“Only those involved in criminal activity have reason to worry,” the Prime Minister said, pushing back against public concern and “misinformation” surrounding the military operations. She clarified that the U.S. is operating legally within international waters and has not breached the sovereignty of any Caribbean state.
The Prime Minister also made it clear that her administration has not consulted CARICOM on the issue, stating that each member country has the right to determine its own security arrangements.
Amid rising tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar further addressed speculation about potential U.S. military use of Trinidadian territory. She confirmed that no such request has been made by Washington but added that if Venezuela were to launch an invasion of Guyana, her government would “unflinchingly” provide U.S. forces with access to defend the Guyanese people.
The statement signals Port of Spain’s growing alignment with U.S. security efforts in the region, as Caribbean nations continue to grapple with rising crime, border insecurity, and external geopolitical threats.
