Background on the Relationship Between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago
Historically, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago have maintained cordial relations, sharing gas projects and being neighboring countries. Trinidad and Tobago, known for its vibrant Caribbean culture, carnaval, and beautiful beaches, is only ten kilometers away from its larger neighbor, Venezuela, which has a population of 30 million.
The Deterioration of Relations
This week, the relationship between these two nations began to deteriorate after Venezuela accused Trinidad and Tobago of harboring “mercenaries” of Trinidadian origin. The tension escalated when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Colombian “terrorists” of entering the country with “a cache of war weapons” via Trinidad and Tobago. Subsequently, Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported the arrest of a Trinidadian among this group of “mercenaries,” stating they were part of a terrorist cell intending to enter Venezuela.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Response
In response, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the evaluation of using “lethal force” against unidentified vessels entering from Venezuela and advised Venezuelan migrants residing in her country to return home. She emphasized that there is no evidence supporting Venezuela’s claims and considered the statements made by Cabello as a threat.
Venezuela’s Counteraccusations
Venezuela suggested Trinidad and Tobago might be complicit in the alleged mercenary incursion, citing the prime minister’s “virulent and bellicose” rhetoric as raising serious suspicions. Caracas also mentioned capturing Trinidadian origin criminals who confessed to their plans, backed by substantial evidence.
Migration and Crime
Approximately 60,000 Venezuelan migrants have sought refuge in Trinidad and Tobago since 2013 due to Venezuela’s severe economic crisis, which led to an 80% contraction in its GDP over a decade. According to the United Nations, around seven million Venezuelans have left their country.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar stated that her government would review its approach to Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago, noting a continuous rise in crimes involving Venezuelans. She advised Venezuelan migrants to start returning home.
Gas Projects and US Sanctions
Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago collaborate on gas projects in the Dragon field. However, US sanctions imposed by the Trump administration following allegations of electoral fraud in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential elections threaten these operations. Washington revoked Trinidad and Tobago’s permission to develop gas fields with Venezuela in April.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s alignment with the United States regarding Venezuela, stating that no rhetoric from Maduro’s government could create division between her country and the US. She firmly supported the United States’ stance on Venezuela-related matters.
Key Questions and Answers
- What sparked the tension between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago? The dispute began when Venezuela accused Trinidad and Tobago of harboring mercenaries intending to enter Venezuela.
- What actions have the governments taken in response? Venezuela has arrested suspected mercenaries, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister has threatened the use of lethal force against unidentified vessels from Venezuela and advised migrants to return home.
- What are the shared gas projects between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago? Both countries collaborate on gas projects in the Dragon field, although US sanctions pose a threat to these operations.
- How many Venezuelan migrants are in Trinidad and Tobago, and why have they migrated? Approximately 60,000 Venezuelan migrants are in Trinidad and Tobago due to their country’s severe economic crisis, which has led to around seven million Venezuelans leaving their homeland.
