Trinidad Prime Minister Calls for Violent Action Against Drug Traffickers

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, recently made headlines with her controversial remarks advocating for violent measures against drug traffickers. In a statement reflecting her support for U.S. military efforts, Persad-Bissessar expressed her belief that the U.S. should “kill them all violently,” referring to drug traffickers operating in the region. This declaration aligns with her government’s approach to combat the escalating violence linked to drug trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago.

Persad-Bissessar’s support for U.S. military intervention began shortly after she took office in May 2025. In September, she applauded the Trump administration’s naval deployments aimed at disrupting Venezuelan drug boats near Trinidad and Tobago. “The pain and suffering the cartels have inflicted on our nation is immense,” she stated, emphasizing the detrimental impact of drug cartels on her country.

Military Cooperation with the United States

The Prime Minister’s stance has garnered attention not only within Trinidad and Tobago but also among regional leaders. According to Dr. Jacqueline Laguardia Martinez, a senior lecturer at the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies, the Caribbean Community, or Caricom, has broadly endorsed U.S. actions that target transnational crime. This support includes the recent facilitation of military assets in Trinidad and Tobago, such as the deployment of sophisticated military technology.

The U.S. has installed a Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system, valued at tens of millions of dollars, in coastal areas of Tobago. This military cooperation includes the movement of U.S. troops, jets, and equipment, raising concerns from neighboring Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Persad-Bissessar of turning Trinidad into a launchpad for U.S. military operations against Venezuela.

Despite these accusations, Persad-Bissessar firmly stated that Trinidad and Tobago would not be used as a base for U.S. military actions. In response to threats from Maduro’s government, she emphasized that the island nation would not succumb to political pressure or blackmail.

Implications for Regional Stability

The political dynamics between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have shifted significantly since the recent arrest of Maduro. In a statement following the arrest, Persad-Bissessar expressed optimism about renewed cooperation and friendship with the Venezuelan people. She highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to supporting Venezuela as it navigates a transition away from years of dictatorship.

The Prime Minister’s administration is now focusing on maximizing its natural resources, particularly in the gas sector. The conflict with Maduro previously hindered discussions about developing offshore gas fields, but now, with Maduro’s ousting, opportunities for better profit-sharing agreements may arise.

As the situation evolves, the implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s security and economic landscape remain significant. The government’s aggressive stance against drug trafficking reflects the broader challenges facing the Caribbean region, where violence and crime linked to narcotics continue to pose serious threats to stability and public safety.

Persad-Bissessar’s remarks and the actions of her administration will likely continue to draw both domestic and international scrutiny as they navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.