Trinidad and Tobago officials dismissed speculation on Friday about potential military threats in the Caribbean, calling such reports inaccurate. The Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Ministry stated that Washington denied any planned operations against Venezuela and confirmed that Southern Command remains focused on disaster response in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers has maintained communication with American diplomats in Port of Spain.
The government statement emerged as lawmakers debated extending emergency powers for three months. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge refused to address whether armed forces received heightened readiness orders, citing parliamentary rules that permit withholding sensitive security details. Unconfirmed accounts suggested military personnel faced a Friday evening deadline to return to installations, fueling social media anxiety.
Venezuelan officials have protested American naval movements near their territory, which Washington describes as counter-narcotics efforts. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto characterized the deployments as threatening regional stability during recent United Nations remarks. CARICOM leaders recently convened to examine military developments, though Trinidad and Tobago did not support the collective stance adopted by other member nations.
The government statement emerged as lawmakers debated extending emergency powers for three months. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge refused to address whether armed forces received heightened readiness orders, citing parliamentary rules that permit withholding sensitive security details. Unconfirmed accounts suggested military personnel faced a Friday evening deadline to return to installations, fueling social media anxiety.
Venezuelan officials have protested American naval movements near their territory, which Washington describes as counter-narcotics efforts. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto characterized the deployments as threatening regional stability during recent United Nations remarks. CARICOM leaders recently convened to examine military developments, though Trinidad and Tobago did not support the collective stance adopted by other member nations.
