U.S. Warship Arrives in Trinidad and Tobago, Heightening Regional Tensions

A U.S. warship, the USS Gravely, docked in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on October 15, 2023, as part of the U.S. government’s strategy to increase military pressure on Venezuela. This deployment coincides with the movement of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford closer to Venezuelan waters, further intensifying regional tensions. The presence of these warships has drawn sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who accused the United States of attempting to create “a new eternal war” against his country.

According to U.S. officials, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, will remain in Trinidad until October 19, allowing both nations to conduct joint training exercises. A senior military official in Trinidad and Tobago, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the warship’s visit was scheduled recently. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has expressed her support for the U.S. military presence, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts against transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking originating from Venezuela.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz stated that the exercises aim to “address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts.” This visit follows a warning issued by the U.S. Embassy to American citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, advising them to stay away from U.S. government facilities due to a reported threat against them.

Despite government support, local sentiment is mixed. Some citizens have voiced their opposition to the warship’s docking. During a recent protest outside the U.S. Embassy, David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice political party, condemned the presence of the warship, referring to it as “an abomination.” He emphasized the potential risks associated with having a U.S. warship so close to Venezuela amid escalating tensions.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom), a regional trade bloc that includes Trinidad and Tobago, has called for dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts within the region. While the prime minister acknowledges the need for peace, she has pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago is not a “zone of peace,” citing issues such as high murder rates and violent crime.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how these military movements will impact the already delicate relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as the broader ramifications for Caribbean nations navigating their own security concerns.