Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met Tuesday, November 25, with Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, to discuss security challenges in the Caribbean, particularly the effects of illegal drug trafficking and transnational crime.
“Gen. Caine and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar exchanged views on challenges affecting the Caribbean region, including the destabilising effects of illicit narcotics, arms, and human trafficking, and transnational criminal organisation activities. The Chairman emphasised that close cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago directly contributes to safeguarding regional security,” the US Embassy in Port of Spain stated.
The discussions come amid a significant US military presence in the Caribbean, including at least 15,000 troops and multiple warships, such as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The US has defended the deployment and its 21 lethal boat strikes since September, claiming they aim to curb drug trafficking that affects American citizens.
However, the actions have drawn widespread condemnation both in the United States and internationally. The United Nations has described these high-sea killings as “crimes against humanity,” while several Caribbean governments have reiterated their pledge that the region must remain a Zone of Peace.
“Gen. Caine expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s continued leadership and partnership in advancing mutual objectives and reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to working closely with Trinidad and Tobago to address shared threats and deepen collaboration across the Caribbean,” the Embassy added.
Prior to his meeting with Persad-Bissessar, General Caine, accompanied by Senior Enlisted Advisor David Isom, visited US military personnel, including members of the 346th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, as well as the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70). The Joint Staff noted that Caine thanked the sailors for their “continued, outstanding service during the Thanksgiving holiday season” and toured key spaces to understand their operations firsthand.
The meeting underscored the US and Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing cooperation in countering illicit trafficking, while also highlighting the tension between security operations and regional calls for peace and accountability
