When the Trump administration recently began its designs to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power and attack its alleged narcotics-producing systems, Caribbean Community governments moved to stay clear of the conflict, calling for a diplomatic solution in an area they regard as a zone of peace.
Most of the members in the 15-nation grouping opted to call for a de-escalation as the US amassed an impressive armada of powerful ships, bombers, fighters, and nearly 15,000 personnel, stationed in international waters near Venezuela.
For many in the grouping, not accustomed to and unwilling to tolerate large-scale military conflict, governments feared not only the long-term consequences of military activities and occupation, but also the immediate fallout, such as a mass migration of Venezuelans leaving the country for neighboring Caribbean states. Chief among them are Guyana and Suriname, as well as Trinidad and Tobago, which is already home to more than 50,000 Venezuelan refugees, like Guyana.
But while the remainder of the bloc tried to proverbially hold one foreign policy position, Trinidad has played it differently, making it clear that it is unabashedly standing behind the US action in the region, as attacks on alleged narco-carrying vessels have helped to reduce human trafficking, weapons, and narcotics smuggling, as well as, felony crimes at home. Authorities say that this year’s murder tally will be around 40% fewer than last year and the previous decades, when the annual tally averaged around 550, thanks to reduced smuggling in general because of deadly American attacks.
Meanwhile, at the start of this week, the administration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that it has granted special permission for the American military to use the two main airports in both Trinidad and Tobago as transit and resupply points in the coming weeks.
The announcement has come amid persistent denials from Port of Spain that the Republic is set to allow the US to use the country as a base to attack neighboring Venezuela, just seven miles away. That fear was explained away in a release from the foreign ministry stating that “the US has advised that these movements are logistical in nature, facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations. The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs maintains close engagement with the US embassy in Trinidad and Tobago. The honorable prime minister has affirmed the government’s commitment to cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. We welcome the continued support of the United States.”
The release also comes as the country already hosts several joint military exercises with US forces and has allowed the installation of a high-grade military radar in Tobago. Local political activists like Pearce Robinson have also said that the US has also been allowed to bury huge fuel tanks near the airport, presumably for use by military aircraft.
Officials have not denied this accusation, with the PM maintaining that the close collaboration has much to do with “advancing regional safety, security, and stability.”
“Through this partnership, Trinidad and Tobago has benefited from joint military training exercises, enhanced surveillance capabilities, including the installation of an effective radar system, and collaborative efforts that have contributed to the interdiction of millions of dollars’ worth of illegal narcotics,” the foreign ministry said.
Fearing that actual conflict may soon break out, the local insurance brokers association has said that it has become necessary and appropriate to warn the country that the effects of war are not covered by local policies. “We have gotten questions in writing from clients, inquiries from clients looking at possibly purchasing coverage for war, terrorism, and sabotage. We also have had individuals asking about it. It is at the forefront of people’s minds, and they are asking if something were to happen, what would go on with my insurance,” the association said in a statement.
Insurance “does not cover loss, damage, cost, or expense directly or indirectly caused by, contributed to by, resulting from, or arising out of war or related perils. This exclusion exists because war losses are catastrophic and unpredictable, making them difficult to price or insure sustainably; reinsurers exclude these perils, preventing local insurers from including them in standard treaty protections; the cost of war damage can be financially devastating and could bankrupt insurers if included under normal coverage and voluntary exposure –– such as participation in armed conflict or residence in declared war zones –– removes the uncertainty required for insurability,” the release said, as the country continues to monitor developments.
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