Governments across the Caribbean are closely monitoring a rapidly developing situation in Venezuela following confirmation that the United States commenced military operations within Venezuelan territory early Saturday morning.

In a media release issued on January 3, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through its Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, confirmed that the United States had initiated military activity in Venezuela but stressed that Trinidad and Tobago is not a participant in any ongoing operations.

The governments position stands in sharp contrast to confirmed developments on the ground within Trinidad and Tobago itself. It is a matter of record that, under the current administration, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, United States military cooperation in Trinidad and Tobago expanded significantly. This cooperation included the installation of advanced radar equipment at a civilian airport in Tobago, a move that was publicly acknowledged at the time as part of bilateral security arrangements.

In addition, it is now widely known and locally confirmed that U.S. military personnel have been present in Trinidad and Tobago, operating under various security, training, and surveillance-related frameworks. Their presence has not been disputed by authorities, even as the government maintains that the country is not directly involved in current hostilities.

Against this backdrop, many citizens in Trinidad and Tobago have openly rejected the government’s assertion of non-involvement, arguing that the existence of U.S. radar infrastructure and sustained military presence inherently places the country within the operational orbit of U.S. regional security activities. While no official statement has confirmed that assets based in Trinidad and Tobago were used in the early-morning military actions against Venezuela, critics contend that the location and capability of the radar system make regional surveillance unavoidable.

As of this writing, the Trinidad and Tobago government has not issued a detailed response addressing how these realities align with its public assurances of neutrality, nor has it clarified the operational scope or current use of U.S. military installations and personnel on its territory.

Meanwhile, amid the unfolding developments, President Irfaan Ali an emergency meeting with Guyana’s Defense Board, national security leadership, and regional commanders to assess potential implications for Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

Images released by the Office of the President showed senior military and civilian officials participating in high-level discussions, reflecting heightened vigilance as regional governments evaluate security, economic, and humanitarian risks associated with the conflict.

CARICOM Holds Emergency Consultations

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) confirmed that the Conference of Heads of Government met very early on January 3 following reports of military action in Venezuela.

In an official statement, CARICOM noted that the situation is of grave concern to the Region, citing possible implications for neighbouring states. The regional body indicated that it is actively monitoring developments and will continue to update Caribbean citizens as more information becomes available.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

In a post circulated on social media, Donald J. Trump claimed that the United States had successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and removed from the country. The statement indicated that further details would be provided during a scheduled news conference in the United States.

Meanwhile, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela issued a sharply worded official statement rejecting and denouncing what it described as an “extremely grave military aggression” by the United States. Venezuelan authorities alleged that civilian and military locations in Caracas and several surrounding states were targeted, calling the actions a violation of the United Nations Charter and a threat to regional and international peace.

As international reactions continue to unfold, Caribbean governments and regional institutions have emphasised the importance of calm, accurate information, and diplomatic engagement. Analysts note that the Caribbean’s geographic proximity to Venezuela heightens concerns related to border security, migration flows, energy markets, and humanitarian impacts.

CARICOM leaders are expected to remain in close consultation in the coming days as they assess developments and advocate for stability and respect for international law.

As the situation evolves, the Caribbean now finds itself navigating a delicate balance between regional security, diplomatic neutrality, and the realities of geopolitical power.