Trinidad and Tobago seeks deeper defence partnership to strengthen security
Government officials say expanding military cooperation with the United States and regional partners is aimed at improving national security and tackling organised crime in Trinidad and Tobago.
2 min read
By Aurax Radio — Updated March 10, 2026
Kamla Persad-Bissessar meeting U.S. Military Officers
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is pursuing stronger defence cooperation with the United States and regional allies as part of efforts to improve national security and combat transnational crime.
Officials say the discussions are focused on expanding existing military partnerships, sharing intelligence and improving operational capabilities to address threats such as drug trafficking and organised crime across the Caribbean.
Talks aimed at boosting security cooperation
According to officials, recent meetings between government representatives and U.S. security officials were geared toward expanding cooperation to help build “safer communities, safer villages and a safer country.”
The talks also focused on strengthening long-standing security ties between the two countries and exploring ways to deepen collaboration through joint initiatives and training exercises.
Government representatives said the discussions centred on improving national security capabilities through partnerships with key allies.
Debate over security cooperation
The government has also urged caution around public discussion of sensitive defence matters, warning that some details relating to military assets and security cooperation cannot be disclosed publicly.
Officials say such information could compromise national security if revealed, particularly in areas involving international defence partnerships and operational capabilities.
At the same time, the issue has sparked debate within political circles, with some critics questioning the extent of the country’s defence cooperation with foreign militaries.
A patrol vessel or coast guard unit operating in Caribbean waters.
Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Fighting crime and regional threats
The push for deeper cooperation comes as authorities continue to battle organised crime and drug trafficking networks operating in the Caribbean region.
Wayne Sturge, the country’s Minister of Defence, has indicated that Trinidad and Tobago is seeking additional support from international partners to combat drug cartels and other security threats affecting the region.
Officials say such partnerships can enhance the capabilities of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force through intelligence sharing, specialised training and access to additional military resources.
Joint training exercises between Trinidad and Tobago forces and U.S. military personnel.
The Ministry of National Security headquarters in Port of Spain.
Long-standing security ties
Trinidad and Tobago has maintained security partnerships with the United States for decades, particularly in areas such as counter-narcotics operations, maritime security and disaster response.
Recent discussions signal the government’s intention to expand those ties as regional security challenges evolve, including the growing influence of organised crime networks and the movement of illicit drugs through Caribbean waters.
Officials say continued cooperation with international partners will be key to strengthening national security while maintaining stability across the wider Caribbean region.