On November 25, 2025, General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Trinidad & Tobago for a diplomatic visit focused on strengthening military cooperation and addressing regional concerns, particularly the growing instability in Venezuela. Gen. Caine met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain to discuss enhancing security ties between the two nations.

This visit comes as tensions between the United States and Venezuela continue to escalate, with the U.S. focusing on countering the influence of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and addressing the economic and political chaos in the country. For Trinidad & Tobago, the situation in Venezuela is a pressing issue due to shared maritime borders and the significant flow of Venezuelan migrants and illicit trade into the island.

With increasing pressure from the U.S. over Venezuela’s human rights abuses and economic sanctions, Trinidad & Tobago faces the challenge of balancing its diplomatic relations with both the U.S. and Venezuela. The Venezuelan crisis has led to a rising refugee population in Trinidad & Tobago, further complicating the nation’s position.

Gen. Caine's visit is seen as part of the broader U.S. strategy to bolster regional security through military exercises and partnerships. The two countries discussed efforts to secure borders, enhance intelligence sharing, and respond to the humanitarian crisis. This cooperation is expected to play a critical role in managing the fallout from Venezuela's ongoing instability.

Sources: Newsday Trinidad and Tobago, Guardian, U.S. Embassy in TRinidad and Tobago