CARICOM urges US to respect regional stability

Foreign ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are urging the United States to provide clear assurances that any military action targeting Venezuela will not destabilise the region. Their concerns follow the recent deployment of a US military squadron to the southern Caribbean, sparking unease about the potential threat to regional peace and security.

The US move, part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on Latin American drug cartels, includes an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, and a cruiser. All of these assets are now operating under the US Southern Command.

In reaction, Venezuela has mobilised its troops along its borders, citing the US military buildup as a direct threat to its sovereignty.

While the CARICOM Secretariat has not issued an official statement following the recent meeting of foreign ministers, Barbados’ Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds provided insight into the bloc’s position. He confirmed that CARICOM has drafted a diplomatic letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting greater transparency and prior consultation on military actions in the region.

The letter was written by Dr Denzil Douglas of St Kitts and Nevis, who chairs the Conference of Foreign Ministers. Symmonds explained that the objective is to avoid surprises and ensure the region is alerted to any military operations that could have foreseeable consequences for Caribbean nations.

“We want to preserve mutual confidence and prevent misunderstandings,” Symmonds said. “Even if some actions are classified or legally restricted, we need consistent dialogue to safeguard the interests of the region.”

He also emphasised that while CARICOM supports efforts to combat drug trafficking and the flow of illegal firearms, the presence of significant US military assets raises concerns. A key issue is the potential erosion of the Caribbean Sea’s status as a zone of peace.

“There is no sign the US intends to change that,” he noted, “but the scale of the deployment does cause concern.”

Despite these concerns, Symmonds acknowledged that the fight against drug and gun trafficking remains a shared priority. He pointed to continued cooperation among CARICOM states, including recent discussions between heads of government and regional chief justices to address gun crime as a public health issue.

However, divergent views are emerging within the region. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar voiced strong support for recent US military action, which targeted a Venezuela-based drug vessel. She applauded the strike, saying illegal drugs and weapons have brought death and suffering to the Caribbean for decades.

“I have no sympathy for traffickers,” she declared. “The US military’s mission is working. If more strikes are needed, so be it.”

Her comments reflect the stance of some leaders who see the US presence as a direct response to criminal activity rather than a geopolitical provocation.

President Trump defended the military deployment as a critical step in the war on drugs, while Secretary of State Rubio described the operation as a “lethal” blow against a narco-terrorist organisation.

As tensions simmer, CARICOM remains committed to diplomacy. The bloc continues to balance its support for anti-narcotics efforts with a firm insistence on safeguarding Caribbean stability and sovereignty.

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