Prime Minister Assesses CARICOM's Direction
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has issued strong statements regarding the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), asserting that the regional bloc has 'lost its way' and is currently 'not a reliable partner'. These remarks were made around December 21, 2025, and have ignited significant discussion within the region.
The Prime Minister's criticism of CARICOM stems from what she described as the organization's choice to 'disparage our greatest ally the United States' while allegedly lending support to the 'Maduro narco-government' in Venezuela. She further elaborated on her concerns, citing 'poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties and the inappropriate meddling in the domestic politics of member states' as contributing factors to CARICOM's current state.
Warning Against US Criticism Amidst Visa Restrictions
In tandem with her critique of CARICOM, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar also issued a stern warning to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago against publicly criticizing the United States. She characterized such criticism as 'hypocritical' given that over 350,000 Trinidadian nationals hold US visas or dual citizenship.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship, highlighting the US as Trinidad and Tobago's largest trading partner and a vital ally for defense. She cautioned that public rhetoric could carry serious consequences, referencing the recent decision by the US government on December 16, 2025, to implement partial entry restrictions on certain foreign nationals, which notably impacted Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica due to their Citizenship by Investment programs.
Regional Fallout and Trinidad and Tobago's Stance
The Prime Minister's statements came in the wake of a CARICOM Bureau statement expressing concern over the new US visa restrictions, a statement to which Trinidad and Tobago was not a party. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago would prioritize its national interests and would not allow CARICOM to dictate its future.
Her remarks have generated considerable backlash across the Caribbean. Leaders such as Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and former Trinidadian Prime Minister Keith Rowley, have publicly rebuked Persad-Bissessar, with some accusing her of undermining CARICOM unity and making 'unpatriotic' comments. The controversy highlights deepening fissures within the regional body regarding foreign policy and relations with major international powers.
5 Comments
eliphas
While safeguarding our citizens' ability to travel to the US is important, telling people they shouldn't criticize a foreign power raises concerns about freedom of expression. A balance must be struck between diplomatic relations and the fundamental rights of citizens to voice their opinions.
anubis
Kamla is absolutely right. The US is our most important ally, we can't afford to alienate them.
eliphas
This is completely divisive and undermines regional unity. So disappointing.
anubis
Prioritizing the US over our Caribbean family is a betrayal. Shameful remarks.
eliphas
It's true that the US is a vital trading partner and ally for Trinidad and Tobago, and that should be acknowledged. However, true regional strength comes from solidarity, and undermining CARICOM could weaken our collective bargaining power on the global stage.