Trinidad and Tobago charts its own security course

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has openly broken ranks with CARICOM on foreign and security policy, defending Trinidad and Tobago’s close cooperation with the United States and accusing regional leaders of failing to protect member states facing external threats.

Speaking at the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government summit in St Kitts and Nevis, Persad-Bissessar delivered a forceful address defending US military cooperation and warning that Trinidad and Tobago will prioritize its national security over regional consensus.

She said US military assistance had helped reduce violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago, noting the country “gained from that military help” and would welcome such support again if necessary.

Her comments marked one of the clearest signals yet that Trinidad and Tobago is pursuing a more independent and US-aligned security policy.

Strong criticism of CARICOM’s silence on regional threats

Persad-Bissessar also accused CARICOM of failing to defend member states when Venezuela allegedly threatened Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

She questioned why the regional bloc remained silent during moments of crisis, arguing that CARICOM should have taken a stronger and unified stance.

The Prime Minister suggested that Trinidad and Tobago could no longer depend entirely on regional security arrangements, citing the severity of crime and external threats facing the country.

Her remarks underscored growing tensions within CARICOM over how the region should respond to geopolitical pressures involving the United States and Venezuela.

Accusations of political interference and regional division

In addition to security concerns, Persad-Bissessar accused CARICOM governments and political parties of interfering in the internal elections of other member states.

She criticized what she described as political campaigning by regional leaders in neighboring countries, warning that such actions undermine trust and cooperation.

Her remarks caused visible discomfort among other regional leaders attending the summit and highlighted widening divisions within the Caribbean Community.

Support for US policy and criticism of Cuba’s political system

Persad-Bissessar also defended her government’s support for US foreign policy positions and warned against defending authoritarian political systems in the region.

She questioned why democratic Caribbean nations would support political systems abroad that do not allow the same democratic freedoms.

Her position aligns Trinidad and Tobago more closely with US geopolitical interests than with traditional CARICOM consensus.

Regional leaders push back amid fears of CARICOM fragmentation

Persad-Bissessar’s stance has drawn criticism from some regional leaders and political observers, who warned that breaking from CARICOM consensus could weaken regional unity.

Critics argued that abandoning collective foreign policy risks undermining decades of diplomatic cooperation and collective bargaining power.

CARICOM has historically relied on a unified approach to international relations to protect the interests of smaller Caribbean nations.

A turning point in Caribbean diplomacy

Persad-Bissessar’s remarks signal a potentially historic shift in Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy, emphasizing bilateral alliances and national security priorities over regional alignment.

While she reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s membership and commitment to CARICOM, her message made clear that national interests will come first.

The long-term implications could reshape Caribbean diplomacy, influence regional security arrangements, and redefine Trinidad and Tobago’s role within CARICOM.

Sources: TT Express, TT Guardian