Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre on October 27 described as “worrisome” the growing tension between the United States and Venezuela, with Trinidad and Tobago throwing its support behind the Trump Administration.
In August 2025, the United States began a naval buildup in the southern Caribbean with what it has described as combating drug trafficking. The Trump administration more recently informed Congress that the United States is in a formal “armed conflict” against drug cartels it has labeled as “unlawful armed combatants,” coming mostly out of Venezuela.
The United States has acknowledged carrying out at least eight strikes against Venezuelan vessels allegedly transporting drugs, killing at least thirty-six people allegedly including two Trinidadians.
The move has been viewed by some geo-politics commentators as a sharp departure from US practice, which has traditionally relied on law enforcement tools such as interdiction and seizures rather than direct military operations.
On October 26, the presence of the USS Gravely, a US guided missile destroyer docked in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital Port of Spain heightening anxiety in the region. This, as the US continues to escalate its show of force against Venezuela and its President Nicolás Maduro.
Prime Minister Pierre on October 28, told reporters that CARICOM (with the backing of Saint Lucia) had issued a statement earlier this month on the growing tensions.
“We urged all parties to continue to regard our area as a zone of peace,” the Saint Lucian leader said. It is very important that we continue, but it’s very worrisome, you know about the movement of the US military personnel into our region.”
Pierre disclosed that CARICOM was having a “watching brief” but could not determine the actions of the US.
“I saw a statement from the government of Trinidad and Tobago stating that the exercises are purely for drug interdiction and in the areas of disaster preparedness. I can only take their word for it but I hope that the sacred idea that our region remains a zone of peace is respected and protected by all involved,” Pierre said.
On October 26, Venezuela accused Trinidad and Tobago’s Government of being under US control and part of an effort that could spark a full military confrontation against Venezuela.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused Trinidad and Tobago of carrying out “‘military exercises’” under US control and that a “false flag attack” was underway from waters bordering the country, which could generate a confrontation against Venezuela.
Responding to those claims the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs in Trinidad stated: “The visit of the USS Gravely aims to bolster the fight against transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian activities, and security cooperation. It will also strengthen longstanding partnerships between both countries, which have provided medical care and disaster preparedness, improved lives, and strengthened T&T communities.”
