Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has approved an installation of a US military radar, but not on Trinidad—on the smaller island of Tobago. It is only seven miles from Venezuela at its closest point. This decision is worthy of the alarming, widespread concerns it has raised. Many worry that the Caribbean nation could get sucked into the increasing conflict between the United States and Venezuela.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said that putting the radar in place was an important part of a more comprehensive plan to fight drug trafficking. This initiative strikes directly at the heart of illegal drug activity in the region. Yet she has been secretive about the radar’s capabilities and operational protocols. She frames this as a national security interest and doesn’t want to “tip off” drug traffickers.
Since the beginning of September, the U.S. has launched at least 21 such airstrikes. These strikes in particular focus on so-called drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. These operations have already resulted in more than 80 killings, including multiple Trinidadian nationals. The expanded military presence and heavy-handed tactics have shocked local politicians and observers. Aside from just wanting more information, they are particularly concerned about the possible impacts on Trinidad and Tobago.
Marvin Gonzales, an opposition Member of Parliament and former national security minister, criticized the government for its lack of action. He alleged that Persad-Bissessar and her administration had deceived the public as to their plans to abandon the radar installation.
“They have sold the soul of the nation for a mess of portage.” – Marvin Gonzales
David Abdulah, the political leader of Trinidad’s Movement for Social Justice, had some particularly harsh words for the state’s actions. He charged them with being complicit in what he termed “extrajudicial killings” associated with US military operations in the Caribbean. He lambasted the radar installation, which he said brings Trinidad and Tobago directly into the path of US military designs.
“With the installation of a US military radar in Tobago it is now directly involving the country in the US war plans. Our international reputation has been tarnished as the government unapologetically sides with the agenda of Washington.” – David Abdulah
Political commentator Peter Wickham had a warning for Persad-Bissessar on her move. He fears it might trigger a revival of Cold War-era tensions in the region. He raised alarms over another US military escalation in the region, especially with rising tensions between the US and Venezuela.
“I’m concerned that Donald Trump is planning some initiative against Venezuela and he has a willing and able ally in Persad-Bissessar.” – Peter Wickham
Opposition senator Amery Browne articulated fears that these military actions could place “precious people and resources at unnecessary risk.” He further criticized the government’s perceived alignment with US military objectives, suggesting that they are “loudly and publicly cheerleading … what is quite obviously a regime-change agenda.”
Wayne Sturge, Trinidad and Tobago’s minister of defense, vigorously rebutted criticism directed at the country. He stressed that Trinidad and Tobago would not become a “launch pad for any military actions.” He stressed that the government is not indifferent to the national interest buried in the midst of international relations, but must carefully juggle both.
The radar installation has thus far been accompanied by the logistical and enforcement physical support of the US military. A U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft unloading humanitarian supplies in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. According to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, it was ferrying marines to assist with a road-building endeavor. Images and videos circulating on social media have shown US marines at a hotel in Tobago alongside reports of the radar’s installation.
Alarm bells are ringing about Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in this shifting geopolitical landscape. Citizens and political leaders alike have been on notice that a foreign troop presence not only threatens their sovereignty, but long-term regional stability.