Trinidad and Tobago Leader Praises Strike and Calls for Strong Action Against Drug Traffickers

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly endorsed a recent U.S. military operation targeting a vessel suspected of carrying illegal drugs in the southern Caribbean. She expressed strong support for decisive measures against traffickers, urging that all involved in drug trafficking be dealt with harshly to protect the region from crime and violence.

Praising U.S. Naval Mission

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar praised the U.S. naval strike in a statement following reports that 11 individuals died aboard the suspected drug-laden vessel that departed from Venezuela. She said, “I, along with most of the country, am pleased that the U.S. naval mission is achieving its objectives.” Her comments reflected national relief and approval that the operation successfully disrupted drug trafficking activities that deeply harm Trinidad and Tobago.

Strong Stance Against Traffickers

The Prime Minister did not mince words when discussing the cartels’ impact on her nation. She condemned the traffickers for the suffering and violence they inflict on the people, saying, “The suffering inflicted on our nation by the cartels is tremendous. I have no compassion for traffickers; the U.S. military should eradicate them all violently.” Her remarks emphasized zero tolerance toward drug cartels and a desire for robust enforcement to restore peace and safety.

Addressing Related Challenges

Persad-Bissessar highlighted that combating illegal drugs alone is insufficient without tackling associated problems like firearms and human trafficking. She emphasized that reducing these interconnected criminal activities would decrease violence across Trinidad and Tobago and the broader Caribbean region. The Prime Minister’s government recently declared two states of emergency to address escalating violence linked to such criminal enterprises.

Regional Impact and Urgency

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the intercepted drugs were likely destined for Trinidad or other Caribbean destinations, underscoring the transnational nature of the drug trade. Persad-Bissessar said the “butchery of our citizens is fueled by wicked cartel traffickers” and reinforced the urgency of international cooperation in fighting these criminal networks to protect communities.

Commitment to Restoring Safety

Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership is focused on restoring safety and stability by aggressively confronting drug trafficking and related violence. The Prime Minister’s remarks serve as both a warning and a rallying call for continued and intensified efforts to dismantle criminal organizations harming the country. Strong collaboration with partner nations like the U.S. is seen as vital to achieving long-term peace and security in the Caribbean.

Through decisive actions and firm leadership, Trinidad and Tobago aims to disrupt the cycle of violence and addiction driven by drug cartels and strengthen the resilience of its communities against organized crime.

This latest endorsement of U.S. enforcement efforts highlights the critical importance of joint regional responses to complex challenges posed by illegal trafficking and violence.